The Producer’s Cheat Sheet to Chord Construction and Progressions

by

Understanding chord construction and progressions is essential for music producers and composers. This cheat sheet will guide you through the basics of building chords and creating effective progressions that can enhance your music production.

Basics of Chord Construction

Chords are formed by stacking notes together. The most common type of chord is the triad, which consists of three notes. Here’s how to construct a basic triad:

  • Root Note: The starting note of the chord.
  • Third: The note that is four half steps above the root.
  • Fifth: The note that is seven half steps above the root.

Types of Triads

There are several types of triads, each with a unique sound:

  • Major Triad: Root, Major Third, Perfect Fifth.
  • Minor Triad: Root, Minor Third, Perfect Fifth.
  • Diminished Triad: Root, Minor Third, Diminished Fifth.
  • Augmented Triad: Root, Major Third, Augmented Fifth.

Chord Extensions

Chord extensions add depth and complexity to your chords. Here are some common extensions:

  • 7th Chords: Add the 7th note from the root.
  • 9th Chords: Add the 9th note from the root.
  • 11th Chords: Add the 11th note from the root.
  • 13th Chords: Add the 13th note from the root.

Common 7th Chords

7th chords can add tension and resolution to your progressions. Here are some examples:

  • Major 7th: Root, Major Third, Perfect Fifth, Major Seventh.
  • Minor 7th: Root, Minor Third, Perfect Fifth, Minor Seventh.
  • Dominant 7th: Root, Major Third, Perfect Fifth, Minor Seventh.
  • Diminished 7th: Root, Minor Third, Diminished Fifth, Diminished Seventh.

Chord Progressions

Chord progressions are sequences of chords that create the harmonic foundation of a piece of music. Understanding common progressions can help you write more compelling music.

Common Chord Progressions

  • I-IV-V: A classic progression found in many genres.
  • ii-V-I: A staple in jazz music.
  • I-vi-ii-V: A popular progression in pop music.
  • I-V-vi-IV: Known as the “Axis of Awesome” progression.

Using Chord Functions

Understanding chord functions can enhance your ability to create effective progressions. Chords can serve different roles:

  • Tonic: The home chord, providing a sense of resolution.
  • Subdominant: Creates movement away from the tonic.
  • Dominant: Builds tension that resolves back to the tonic.

Applying Chord Functions

When creating progressions, consider how these functions interact:

  • Start with a tonic chord to establish the key.
  • Use subdominant chords to create movement.
  • Resolve with dominant chords to return to the tonic.

Experimenting with Chord Progressions

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different progressions and chord voicings. Here are some tips:

  • Try changing the order of chords in a progression.
  • Use inversions to create smoother transitions.
  • Incorporate non-diatonic chords for added color.

Using Modal Interchange

Modal interchange involves borrowing chords from parallel modes. This can add variety to your progressions:

  • Borrow from the minor scale when in a major key.
  • Use the major scale chords when in a minor key.
  • Experiment with borrowed chords to create unexpected turns.

Conclusion

Mastering chord construction and progressions is vital for music production. Use this cheat sheet as a reference to enhance your compositions and explore new musical territories. Happy producing!