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  • Writer's pictureVivek Prasad

5 Common Piano Chord Progressions for Every Musician


5 Common Piano Chord Progressions for Every Musician
5 Common Piano Chord Progressions for Every Musician

Chords are the foundation of the majority of the music we listen to today. They can communicate distinct feelings, offer a piece of music shape or direction, or just flavor a given tune.


So many songs are built around the same basic chord progressions.

You'll get a good start on building your own if you grasp how the most common ones work—and you'll know how to play a lot of tunes! So, what are some of the most prevalent piano chord progressions?


What Are Piano Chord Progressions?

Chord progressions on the piano are just a series of chords. (A chord is two or more notes performed together). Chord progressions exist to help the song evolve harmonically. Each chord progression sometimes has a "harmonic tale" with a beginning, middle, and finish.


1. The 12-Bar Blues Chord Progression

This chord sequence is really basic because it only employs three chords - I, IV, and V - but it offers endless melodic improvisation possibilities. This progression creates a 12-bar blues when performed over 12 bars.


2. The Cadential Chord Progression

This progression transcends genre and is a vital ending progression, therefore no piano chord progression collection would be complete without it. In music theory, this is known as a cadential chord progression, and it is very popular in classical, church, and gospel contexts.


3. The Classic 3-chord Progression

This is one of the most adaptable piano chord progressions, as well as one of the most basic! It has been frequently utilized as the foundation for numerous songs, particularly in current pop. It's also a fantastic one for practicing improvisation because the progression itself doesn't need much focus.



4. The Canon (AKA Pachelbel) Progression

This progression is named after Pachelbel's Canon in D Major, a well-known and pastoral piece. It is a more comprehensive version of the preceding I-IV-V sequence. It, like the 12-bar blues, can be repeated several times in a single song.



5. The 50s Progression

This progression dates back to the 1950s, yet it is still in use today. It has various memorable titles that reflect its flexibility, including "Heart and Soul" chords, "doo-wop progression," and "ice cream changes."


It appears in songs such as Ben E. King's Stand By Me and Bob Marley's Stir It Up. Piano Chord Progressions Will Open New Doors to You As a Musician


Chord progressions are essential for competent piano playing and greater knowledge of music. Piano lessons for beginners are an excellent way to learn something about chord progressions and the theory behind them.


If you are looking for music schools in India then Artium Academy is one of the best options. They have various other musical instrument classes and vocals. The format of teaching is live 1:1 classes, which is great for beginners and they also have a practice digital tool. Book a free trial now and get started with your musical journey!

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