Chord Progression Mastery

Lesson 02 – The Major Scale

In this part, we’ll get into the major scale, an essential building block for creating harmonically pleasing chord progressions.

We’ll start with the C major scale, an ideal scale for beginners due to its simplicity and lack of sharps or flats.

The major scale is a sequence of seven notes that follows a specific pattern of whole steps (W) and half steps (H).

The pattern for the major scale is: W-W-H-W-W-W-H. A whole step is equal to two frets on the guitar, and a half step is equal to one fret.

Let’s take a closer look at the C major scale on the guitar fretboard.

The notes in the C major scale are C, D, E, F, G, A, and B.

Remember, the C major scale has no sharps or flats, making it an excellent starting point for beginners.

As you practice the C major scale, pay attention to the sound and the pattern of the whole steps and half steps.

Get familiar with the notes and the position of your fingers on the fretboard.

Understanding and memorizing the major scale in different positions on the fretboard will be crucial as we move forward in this course and start building chord progressions.

Remember, practice makes perfect!

Spend some time each day working on the C major scale until you feel comfortable moving up and down the fretboard effortlessly.

In the next part, we’ll explore chords in the major key, which will be directly connected to the notes of the C major scale you just learned.

So keep practicing, and I’ll see you in the next lesson!

Lesson 03 – Chords in the key of C major

In the previous lesson, we learned the C major scale, and now, we’ll explore the chords that harmonize beautifully with this scale.

Understanding these chords is crucial for creating harmonically pleasing and melodically rich chord progressions.

As a quick reminder, the C major scale consists of the following notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, and B.

These notes serve as the foundation for the chords in the key of C major.

In the key of C major, there are seven primary chords.

By combining these chords, you can create endless chord progressions that evoke a wide range of emotions and moods.

In the next part, we’ll explore some tricks and techniques to build your own major scale chord progressions.

So keep practicing, and I’ll see you in the next lesson!

Lesson 04 – 3 rules for beginners

In the previous lessons, we explored the C major scale and the chords in the key of C major.

Now, we’re going to uncover some tricks and techniques that will help you craft your own harmonically engaging major scale chord progressions.

We have three simple and effective tricks that will make your chord progressions stand out and sound fantastic.

Let’s dive right in!

Trick 1: Use Only 4 Measures.

In this trick, we’ll keep our chord progressions concise by using only four measures.

This approach creates a tight and focused musical statement, making it easy for listeners to follow and enjoy.

Trick 2: Start with the Root Chord (I).

The root chord (I), in this case, the C major chord, serves as our home base.

Beginning with the root chord provides a sense of stability and resolution to our progression.

Trick 3: Play the IV or V in the Last Measure.

Ending our progression with either the IV * *or V chord adds a sense of anticipation and tension, as these chords naturally lead back to the root chord (I).

Remember, these tricks serve as a foundation for creating your chord progressions, and you can combine them in various ways to achieve different emotions and vibes in your music

Lesson 05 – Applying the Tricks – Two Chord Progression Examples

In the previous lesson, we learned some valuable tricks to create our own major scale chord progressions.

Today, let’s put those tricks into action by exploring two chord progressions in the key of C major.

We’ll use the tricks we’ve learned – four measures, starting with the root chord (I), and playing the IV or V in the last measure – to craft these progressions.

Progression 1: C – Am – Em – F

In this progression, we start with the root chord C major (I) for the first measure, applying the trick of beginning with our tonal center.

Then, in the second measure, we move to the A minor (vi) chord, followed by the E minor (iii) chord in the third measure.

Both Am and Em chords belong to the C major scale and beautifully complement the C major chord.

Finally, in the last measure, we use the F major (IV) chord, creating a sense of resolution and leading us back to the C major (I) for a complete cycle.

Let’s play this progression together.

This progression has a delightful and soothing quality, making it perfect for creating a mellow and relaxed atmosphere in your music.

Progression 2: C – Am – Em – G

For our second progression, we’ll again start with the root chord C major (I) in the first measure.

Then, just like before, we move to the A minor (vi) chord and the E minor (iii) chord in the second and third measures, respectively.

But here comes the twist!

In the last measure, instead of the F major (IV) chord, we use the G major (V) chord.

This change adds a touch of excitement and anticipation as the G major chord naturally resolves back to our home base, the C major (I) chord.

By applying the tricks we’ve learned, you can create endless variations of chord progressions, each with its unique flavor and mood.

Now, I encourage you to experiment further with different chords from the C major scale and explore various combinations using our tricks.

Let your creativity flow, and don’t be afraid to try new things!

Keep practicing and playing around with chord combinations, and I’ll see you in the next lesson!

Lesson 06 – Practice Section 1

In this part we’ll practice the chord progressions from the previous part.
Progression 1: C – Am – Em – F

Progression 2: C – Am – Em – G

Lesson 07 – How to Build the G Major Scale

In this part, we’ll explore the G major scale.

The G major scale consists of the following notes: G, A, B, C, D, E, and F#. It follows the same pattern of whole steps (W) and half steps (H) that we learned earlier.

The pattern for the G major scale is: W-WH- W-W-W-H.

Let’s take a closer look at the G major scale on the guitar fretboard.

G Major on 1 string:

G Major (Vertical shape):

Practice playing the G major scale up and down the fretboard, paying attention to the pattern of whole steps and half steps.

Get familiar with the notes and their positions on the fretboard.

In the next part, we’ll explore the chords in the key of G major, harmonizing with the notes of the G major scale.

So keep practicing, and I’ll see you in the next lesson!

Lesson 08 – Chords in the Key of G Major

In the previous lesson, we learned the G major scale, and now, let’s discover the chords that harmonize beautifully with this scale.

As a quick reminder, the G major scale consists of the following notes: G, A, B, C, D, E, and F#.

These notes will form the foundation for the chords in the key of G major.

In the key of G major, we have seven primary chords.

In the next part, we’ll explore some essential tips and techniques for beginners to enhance their chord playing skills.

Keep practicing the chords in the key of G major, and I’ll see you in the next lesson!

Lesson 09 – 3 Essential Tips for Chord Progressions

In this part, we’ll review three essential tips to enhance your chord progression building skills.

These tips align perfectly with the tricks we learned earlier, so let’s reinforce and apply them in our journey to chord progression mastery.

Tip 1: Use Only 4 Measures

Keeping your chord progressions concise is a powerful technique.

By limiting them to just four measures, you create a focused and memorable musical statement.

Short progressions are easy for listeners to follow and can leave a lasting impact.

Tip 2: Start with the Root Chord (I)

Starting your chord progressions with the root chord (I) establishes a solid tonal center and provides a sense of stability.

This allows you to build your musical narrative around this foundation, guiding listeners through a cohesive and satisfying journey.

Tip 3: Play the IV or V in the Last Measure

Ending your progression with the IV or V chord adds anticipation and a desire for resolution.

These chords naturally lead back to the root chord (I), completing the musical cycle and providing a sense of closure to your progression.

By incorporating these three essential tips into your chord progressions, you’ll elevate the impact and emotional resonance of your music.

Whether you’re writing songs, improvising, or arranging covers, mastering these techniques will take your chord progressions to new heights.

Remember, practice is key to internalizing these concepts and making them an integral part of your musical toolkit.

As you continue your chord progression journey, feel free to experiment, mix and match chords, and let your creativity flourish.

Lesson 10 – Building Chord Progressions in G

In this part, we’ll focus on creating chord progressions in the key of G major.

By combining the chords we learned in the key of G major with the tricks we’ve explored earlier, we can craft exciting musical journeys.

Let’s dive right in and look at two chord progression examples in the key of G major.

Progression 1: G – D – Em – C

In this progression, we start with the root chord G major (I) in the first measure, setting the tonal center for our progression.

Then, we move to the D major (V) chord in the second measure, adding anticipation and energy to the mix.

Next, we play the E minor (vi) chord in the third measure, which provides a contrasting and emotional touch to our progression.

Finally, we use the C major (IV) chord in the fourth measure, leading us back to the G major (I) for resolution.

This progression has a smooth and pleasing flow, making it a great starting point for your musical compositions.

Progression 2: G – C – D – C

In this progression, we once again start with the root chord G major (I) in the first measure.

Then, we move to the C major (IV) chord in the second measure, creating a sense of stability and balance. Next, we play the D major (V) chord in the third measure, adding a touch of excitement and anticipation.

And finally, we return to the C major (IV) chord in the last measure, concluding the progression with a sense of resolution.

Now that you’ve explored these two progressions, don’t be afraid to experiment further with different chord combinations and orders.

Remember to use the tricks we learned earlier, such as starting with the root chord (I) or incorporating the IV or V chords for resolution.

Keep practicing, experimenting, and expanding your musical horizons, and I’ll see you in the next lesson!

Lesson 11 – Practice Section 2

Let’s practice the two chord progressions over backing tracks.

Progression 1: G – D – Em – C

Progression 2: G – C – D – C

Backing Tracks:

Lesson 12 – How to Build the Minor Scale

Welcome back!

In this part, we’ll explore the minor scale.

Understanding the minor scale is essential for creating emotive and evocative chord progressions in minor keys.

The A minor scale consists of the following notes: A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.

Like the major scale, it follows a specific pattern of whole steps (W) and half steps (H).

The pattern for the A minor scale is: W-H-W-WH-W-W. *

Let’s take a closer look at the A minor scale on the guitar fretboard.

A minor scale (starting on the open 5th string)

A minor scale (vertical shape)

Practice playing the A minor scale up and down the fretboard, familiarizing yourself with the pattern of whole steps and half steps.

Get comfortable with the notes and their positions on the fretboard.

In the next part, we’ll explore the chords that harmonize beautifully with the A minor scale.

So keep practicing, and I’ll see you in the next lesson!

Lesson 13 – Chords in the Minor Key

In the previous lesson, we learned the A minor scale, and now, let’s explore the chords that complement this scale, allowing us to create mesmerizing chord progressions in the minor key.

As a quick review, the A minor scale consists of the following notes: A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.

These notes will form the foundation for the chords in the key of A minor.

In the key of A minor, there are seven primary chords.

In the next part, we’ll explore some exciting tricks and techniques to build your own chord progressions in the minor key.

Keep practicing the chords in the key of A minor, and I’ll see you in the next lesson!

Lesson 14 – Tricks to Build Your Own Chord Progressions (In the Minor Key)

In this part, we’ll explore two tricks and techniques to help you start writing your own minor chord progressions.

Trick 1: Use One i – VI – VII, in Different Order

This trick involves utilizing the i – VI – VII chords in various sequences to create captivating progressions.

It’s a popular approach used in many iconic songs, such as “Stairway to Heaven” (during the final long solo) and “All Along the Watchtower.”

Additionally, it’s a favorite tool of bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest.

Let’s take the A minor scale as an example.

The i chord is A minor, the VI chord is F major, and the VII chord is G major.

Now, we can rearrange these chords in different orders to create diverse progressions with a compelling emotional impact.

By experimenting with the order of these chords and exploring their unique combinations, you can achieve a wide range of emotions and create chord progressions that stand out in the listener’s mind.

Trick 2: Use Only the i and the Major Chords (III, VI, VII)

This trick involves pairing the minor i chord with its related major chords, namely the III, VI, and VII.

This combination adds a touch of brightness to the minor key and can make it sound less melancholic and more uplifting.

For instance, in the key of A minor, the i chord is A minor, the III chord is C major, the VI chord is F major, and the VII chord is G major.

By using only these chords, you create an intriguing contrast that adds depth and complexity to your progression.

By experimenting with the i and its related major chords, you can create unique and emotionally rich chord progressions in the minor key, allowing you to convey a wide range of feelings and expressions.

Now that you have these two fantastic tricks in your chord progression toolkit, don’t hesitate to combine them, explore further variations, and let your creativity run wild.

Lesson 15 – Practice section 3

Let’s practice the two chord progressions over backing tracks.

Chord progression 1: Am – F – G – G

Chord progression 2: Am – C – F – G

Lesson 16 – Final Words

Congratulations!

You’ve reached the end of our “Chord Progressions” course.

I hope this musical journey has been as fulfilling for you as it has been for me.

Together, we’ve explored the fundamental concepts of chord progressions, learned about major and minor scales, and discovered various tricks and techniques to create captivating and memorable music.

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for joining me on this musical adventure.

Your dedication to learning and growing as musicians is inspiring, and I’m thrilled to have been a part of your journey.

Throughout this course, we’ve covered a wide range of topics, from understanding the major and minor scales to exploring essential chords in different keys.

We’ve delved into powerful tricks and techniques that will allow you to craft your chord progressions with emotion and creativity.

As you continue on your musical path, remember that practice and perseverance are key to mastery.

Embrace the joy of experimentation and never hesitate to step outside your comfort zone.

Your unique voice and style will emerge through exploration and continuous learning.

If you’ve found value in this course and feel more confident in your chord progression skills, I’d love to hear about your progress and creations.

Feel free to share your musical journey with me and your fellow learners.

Music is a universal language that connects us all, and your passion for it enriches the global musical community.

As we come to the end of this course, I encourage you to keep seeking knowledge, refining your skills, and finding inspiration in every aspect of life.

Music has the power to heal, uplift, and bring joy to both the creator and the listener, so keep sharing your musical gifts with the world.

Thank you once again for being a part of this wonderful learning experience.

I wish you all the best on your musical journey, and may your love for music continue to grow and flourish.

Keep playing, keep exploring, and keep creating beautiful music. Farewell, and until we meet again in the realm of music!

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