Chord progressions are a crucial element in the creation of pop music. However, some popular chord progressions can become overly familiar and annoying to listeners. These chord progressions are often overused in pop music, leading to a lack of originality and creativity in the music.
One common chord progression used in pop music is the I-V-vi-IV progression. This progression can be heard in songs like “Someone Like You” by Adele, “Let Her Go” by Passenger, and “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele. The chord progression consists of the tonic (I), the dominant (V), the relative minor (vi), and the subdominant (IV) chords. While this progression can be effective, its overuse in pop music can become tiresome for listeners.
Another popular chord progression used in pop music is the vi-IV-I-V progression. This progression is often referred to as the “50s progression” because it was commonly used in 1950s doo-wop music. It can be heard in modern pop songs like “All of Me” by John Legend and “Memories” by Maroon 5. The progression consists of the relative minor (vi), the subdominant (IV), the tonic (I), and the dominant (V) chords. While this progression can create a sense of familiarity and comfort for listeners, its overuse in pop music can become monotonous.
The IV-I-V progression is another common chord progression used in pop music. It can be heard in songs like “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses, “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey, and “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi. The progression consists of the subdominant (IV), the tonic (I), and the dominant (V) chords. While this progression can be effective in creating a sense of energy and excitement, its overuse in pop music can become repetitive and dull.
In conclusion, while these popular chord progressions have been used effectively in pop music, their overuse can become tiresome for listeners. As with any element of music, variety and creativity are essential to keep listeners engaged and interested. While these chord progressions can serve as a starting point for songwriters, it is important for them to experiment with different progressions and avoid relying too heavily on popular formulas.
Source:
- “The Axis of Awesome – 4 Chords” video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOlDewpCfZQ
