Chord progressions

[chasumdeep]

What are some common chord progressions for:

Rock

R&B

Country

Thanks

:cool:

[snufeldin]

Well,

Have you memorized the chords in each scale? or how to derive them?

I recommend looking at the article called something like "guide o songwriting"... i think there is a link to it on the main page. This will open up tons of doors for you.

Now I don't want to be a jerk, but I think it would be a lot better if you figured out the progressions to songs that you like and also read that article. It'll be a lot better for you.

[Bongo Boy]

It's an interesting & valid question--even if the 'right' answer is that there aren't any 'typical' progressions for these styles.

While a II-V-I seems to appear a lot in jazz standards, and three of my books all treat the II-V-I exclusively (in major and minor keys), I don't have anything that talks about R&B, funk or country progressions.

There is an article here (Why Chord Progressions Work), and if you do a web search on chord progressions, you'll find a LOT of material on the topic. I was unable to find anything that ties specific progressions to rock and R&B though.

[Zatz]

It's an interesting & valid question--even if the 'right' answer is that there aren't any 'typical' progressions for these styles.

I agree, it's a valid question. Still the list would be too long and hence the progressions on it wouldn't be 'typical' for that reason. The less tensions the given style utilizes the less predictable the progression becomes. Resolution dictates the direction of musical idea, sort of predefines the movement of voices. Complicated chords in jazz standard are restricted to resolve in some 'typical' ways due to their instability. Strong dissonance doesn't allow for too much freedom.

With triads more things are possible to occur - reverse circle of 5th movement, D-S-T progression as in blues, a lot of borrowings etc.

With powerchords - it's chaos :) - much like with melody we can get about anything here. Riffy progressions are very freely built.

Zatz.

[Bongo Boy]

That's very helpful and it makes sense in an interesting way for me. Many years ago, before I knew ANY theory concepts at all, I remember describing 'rock' and 'popular' music as "flat", compared to classical and jazz. What I was trying to describe was a lack of dynamics in both dynamic range (acoustically) and 'mood'.

Tension and resolution would have been very useful concepts for me then...had I been able to explain them in context. Chord progressions would NOT have been a productive conversation, though. What a cool connection you've made for me!

Perhaps I'll go enjoy a pie and some Jerry Springer re-runs so I can reward (and revel in) my own intellectual triumph. :D

[chasumdeep]

:p

Thanks--and 'no''--no one is sounding like a jerk. I just found a few chord progressions on the web. I am trying to get the "feel" for each style and why it is different or unique.

Thanks again your posts have been helpful!!!

:p