This Stupid TRICK Helped Me Learn 1000s of Chord Progressions

Introduction

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to easily master thousands of chord progressions using a simple trick shared by Melvin Darrell. This guide will help you enhance your songwriting skills and practice efficiency, making it easier to experiment with music composition.

Step 1: Understand the Basics of Chord Progressions

Before diving into complex progressions, familiarize yourself with some foundational concepts.

• Chord Progressions: A sequence of chords played in succession. They form the harmonic backbone of a song.
• Common Progressions: Learn a few standard progressions like I-IV-V or ii-V-I, which are widely used in various genres.

Tip: Use a keyboard or guitar to play these chords and hear how they work together.

Step 2: Use the Five Chord Trick

Melvin emphasizes a specific five-chord trick that can unlock new progressions easily.

1. Choose Your Key: Start with a key that you are comfortable playing in (e.g., C major).
2. Select the Chords: Pick five chords from the major scale. For example, in C major, you might choose:
   • C (I)
   • Dm (ii)
   • Em (iii)
   • F (IV)
   • G (V)
3. Experiment with Order: Play these chords in different sequences. Changing the order can lead to unique and interesting progressions.

Practical Advice: Record yourself playing these variations to capture ideas for future songs.

Step 3: Incorporate Variations

Once you're comfortable with the five chords, start experimenting with variations to create distinct sounds.

• Add Extensions: Include seventh or ninth chords for a richer sound. For example, turn C into Cmaj7.
• Change Rhythms: Vary the strumming or playing patterns to bring energy and movement to your progressions.

Common Pitfall: Avoid sticking to one pattern for too long; experimentation is key to finding your unique sound.

Step 4: Explore Different Genres

Apply your chord progressions across various music styles to broaden your versatility.

• Pop: Use catchy melodies with straightforward progressions.
• Jazz: Experiment with more complex chords and substitutions.
• Rock: Focus on power chords and driving rhythms.

Real-World Application: Take a favorite song in a different genre and try to recreate its chord structure using your five-chord trick.

Conclusion

By mastering the five-chord trick and incorporating variations, you can unlock countless chord progressions for your music. Remember to experiment across genres and keep a record of your progressions for future reference. Continue practicing, and you'll find your songwriting and playing will improve significantly. Happy playing!