
When we talk about classic rock chord progressions (for example V – IV – I, or, in C, G-F-C) we’re referring to the chords used for an eight-bar (for blues, 12-bar) musical phrase.

(The seventh chord of a major scale is diminished, but don’t worry your pretty head about that, because the seventh chord is rarely heard in classic rock chord progressions.) Exactly which chords are major or minor are different between major and minor keys. Some of the chords are minor and some major. Thus, I is the first chord in the key, ii is the second, iii is the third, IV is the fourth, V is the fifth, vi is the sixth, and vii is the seventh.
#Roll with it chords series#
In case this is all new to you, we refer to the series of chords in a particular key with Roman numerals. If you played the chords in D-major they would be D-A-Bmin-F#min-G-D-G-A.) The chord progression for Pachelbel’s Canon in D, I – V – VI – iii– IV – I – IV – V, is surprisingly common in rock music. This is cool too, but it still has to sound like music, which means that the chords have to come in an order that’s pleasing- or at least interesting- to the ear. Sometimes there is no melody in a piece of music– there are just chords. If you don’t know already, classic rock chord progressions are a series of chords needed to accompany a melody. What is a Chord Progression, and Why All the Roman Numerals? Knowing common chord progressions by heart aids creativity by allowing you to internalize the technical stuff so you can focus on the art of playing.Knowing the common chord progressions of all musical genres makes you that much more versatile and well-rounded a musician, which will open doors for you.Knowing classic rock chord progressions makes you rock better.Knowing common chord progressions provides you the means of playing with other chording instruments, such as other stringed instruments as well as keyboards. The favorite chord progression of fifties rock-and-rollers like Buddy Holly was I - vi - IV - V.Knowing common chord progressions prepares you for innovation and improvisation.Knowing common classic rock chord progressions gives you a shortcut through basic music theory.Knowing common chord progressions provides you with a roadmap through your musical genre.Seven Reasons Why a Rock Guitarist Should Learn Classic Rock Chord Progressions I – I – I – I – IV – IV – I – I – V – V – IV – I.Some Common Classic Rock Chord Progressions.

What is it about classic rock chord progressions that make them so different?.What is a Chord Progression, and Why All the Roman Numerals?.Seven Reasons Why a Rock Guitarist Should Learn Classic Rock Chord Progressions.
