What is a chord progression?

A **chord progression** is a sequence of chords played in a specific order within a piece of music. These sequences create the harmonic foundation that supports melodies and shapes the overall mood and structure of a song. Essentially, chord progressions guide the listener through a musical journey by establishing tension, release, and resolution. In Western music, chord progressions often follow certain patterns based on scales and keys. For example, a common progression in many genres is the I–IV–V progression, which uses the first (I), fourth (IV), and fifth (V) chords of a scale. Different progressions evoke different emotions; some sound happy and bright, while others feel sad or suspenseful. Understanding chord progressions is fundamental for musicians and songwriters because it helps in composing, improvising, and analyzing music. By recognizing how chords relate to each other, you can create compelling harmonic movement and enhance your musical expression.