Mission 027
Chord Progressions
The journey through harmony — how chords move.
Four chords. Thousands of songs. Progressions are the structural skeleton of pop.
+50 XP
// WHAT IT DOES
A chord progression is a sequence of chords played in order. Some progressions are so common they appear in hundreds of hit songs — I-V-vi-IV (the 'Axis' progression) is probably the most famous.
Roman numerals (I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, vii°) name chords by their scale degree, so you can talk about progressions independently of key. 'I-V-vi-IV' works in C, G, Eb, or any key.
Learning 5–10 standard progressions covers 80% of pop, rock and EDM. Then you can deviate intentionally for character.
Think of it like → Progressions are like recipes for an emotional journey. Each chord is an ingredient, and the order matters.
▸ WHY YOU CARE
- • Progressions provide forward motion and resolution.
- • Common progressions are familiar — listeners predict and feel rewarded.
- • Lets you transpose songs and reharmonise easily.
// SEE & HEAR IT
C5
B4
A#4
A4
G#4
G4
F#4
F4
E4
D#4
D4
C#4
C4
B3
A#3
A3
Click cells to draw notes. Press Play to hear them.
▸ HOW IT WORKS
▸ Signal flow — watch the dot
▸ SIGNAL FLOW
Glowing dot = your signal travelling through Live.
▸ LISTEN FOR
- • Resolution pull on V → I.
- • Familiarity of common progressions.
- • Mood shift when reordering same chords.
▸ WALKTHROUGH (5 steps)
- 1. DO: Loop I-V-vi-IV in C major (C-G-Am-F).▸ LISTEN: Instantly recognisable pop progression.
- 2. DO: Try vi-IV-I-V in same key (Am-F-C-G).▸ LISTEN: Sadder, more cinematic.
- 3. DO: Add 7ths to all four chords.▸ LISTEN: Same progression, neo-soul colour.
- 4. DO: Loop I–V–vi–IV in C major.▸ LISTEN: Most-used pop progression ever; instant familiarity.
- 5. DO: Swap the IV for a iv (minor IV).▸ LISTEN: Bittersweet colour from a single change.
▸ COMMON MISTAKES
- ✗ Changing chords every bar without thinking about cadential rhythm.
- ✗ Skipping function — progressions feel unresolved.
- ✗ Always starting on I — try starting on IV or vi.
// QUIZ (QUICK)
Question 1 / 40 correct
In C major what chord is the V chord?