The theory behind a good chord progression?

[0/0.0\0]

Hello TBers
I want to start learning how to construct a chord progression for my songwriting efforts..
I'm farmilliar with cadences and modes but i think im missing something.. i'm simply not able to create the desired moods i seek to create and basiclly just drop back to the basics.. so i'm actually looking for instruction where to start from.. (either your two cents or a good book recommendation is welcome!)
thanks in advance!

[PatentNonsense]

Classical theory books will have LOTS of ideas on this, and maybe some comments on the feel of different progressions. Some of those ideas will sound over the top outside of classical, but there are lots of good ideas. For example, the VI chord can be a lead-in to V, or can be an irresolution when you want to build up suspense. (E.g. "Every breath you take" Police.) II can also be a lead in to V. III can be a side trip away from VI. Sometimes you can use IV, instead of V, as your opposition to I. Sometimes you can even modulate into V if you want. Jazz books will have more about modal harmonies, but sometimes I think jazz harmonies give too many possibilities that don't have much feeling to them.

[DocBop]

Originally Posted by 0/0.0\0

Hello TBers
I want to start learning how to construct a chord progression for my songwriting efforts..
I'm farmilliar with cadences and modes but i think im missing something.. i'm simply not able to create the desired moods i seek to create and basiclly just drop back to the basics.. so i'm actually looking for instruction where to start from.. (either your two cents or a good book recommendation is welcome!)
thanks in advance!

Understanding strong and weak root movements of chords. Most theory books discuss it at some point. Also listen to Brazilian music the chords are the songs as much as the melody.

[mcm]

All you need to do is listen to some Chicago blues and some early rocknroll. If you start here and learn it, the rest will take care of itself, IMO.

[BassChuck]

It all has to do with understanding and controlling tension and release and having the musical taste and timing to use it. This is one of the things that separates one genre of music from another, and one style periods in history, so there are many different examples and no one answer it totally complete or correct.

[Mark Wilson]

Get into Like Function Substituion, and Subdominant Minor.
COOLEST CRAP EVER.

[mutedeity]

Originally Posted by BassChuck

It all has to do with understanding and controlling tension and release and having the musical taste and timing to use it. This is one of the things that separates one genre of music from another, and one style periods in history, so there are many different examples and no one answer it totally complete or correct.

I would say that I agree with this post most of all.

I would also say that there is no such thing as a "good" chord progression. Aside from what BassChuck said here having a good understanding of voice leading is important as well. It really all comes down to experience and developing your sense of "taste".

I guess the difference between good and bad, if there is one is whether you are able to create the themes and "moods" that you want to. That, like everything else comes from experience, practice and study of some type.

[David1234]

This might seem a bit of a tangent, but get the Blues Brothers Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (with the mostly blue front cover) and learn first the bass lines and then the chord progressions.

These songs have a strong sense of what the root key is, so whenever there's a surprise, take note of what it is.

What you'll find is that some chords are safer than others, and some make subtle tension that highlights certain points in the song's story.