Chord Progressions

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Chord Progressions:
A "chord progression" is a succession of chords. The chord progression to a given song is the specific succession of chords that goes with the "melody", or tune, of the song to create a strummed accompaniment. The chord progressions below were written to help you practice all of the open chords. Instead of practicing 20-30 songs to learn and practice the complete set of open chords, you can add the following progressions to your daily routine, and cover the complete list in a few minutes: ||: C | G | Am | Em | F | C | Dm | G7 :|| (C) ||: A7 | D7 | A7 | E7 :|| (A7) ||: E | D | A | A G :|| (E) (Extra): ||: Em | D :|| C7 | B7 || (Em) Practice playing each of the chords in the progressions above, one after another. Hit each chord 4 times in a row, and count "1 2 3 4" with a regular, even beat. Use a metronome if you've got one. Learning to switch between chords quickly and easily is one of the most important steps in beginning to play the guitar. Practice the chord progressions above until they are memorized and clear sounding. You will use them as long as you play guitar, and they will form the basis for many other shapes and concepts that are fundamental to understanding how the guitar works.

Reading Chords From Sheet Music:

Sheet music, particularly in books labeled "Piano, Vocal, Guitar", typically contain chord diagrams as the only notated guitar part. Below is the sheet music for a traditional folk song: (diagram) The musical notation and words in the sheet music represent the melody and text to be sung. The letters above the standard notation indicate guitar chords which can be strummed along with the voice part to provide an accompaniment. The meter (beat) of the song is indicated at the beginning of the first line. The "4/4" time signature indicates that you can strum 4 times per measure to create an accompaniment. To strum an accompaniment to the above music, do the following: With the left hand, form the first chord shape, indicated above the words and

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music. With the right hand, strum the strings with an even beat, 4 times between each bar line. Hold each chord shape in the left hand until a new chord is indicated in the music. Try strumming an accompaniment to the song using the directions above. Feel free to experiment with strumming patterns in the right hand once you get the "feel" of the song. Most guitarists make the rhythm a bit more interesting by strumming more or less than 4 times per measure in 4/4 time, with a more complex strumming pattern. As long as the pattern that you strum goes with the melody, you can use your intuitive sense of rhythm to strum however you like. The strumming patterns lesson covers more on common time signatures and specific strumming techniques. Search for songs that use the open chords you know - there are literally thousands of tunes that you can play using only those shapes. More complex chords will be discussed in later lessons:

Chord Charts:
Because guitarists only need the meter and chord names to strum an accompaniment to a song, rhythm guitar parts are often notated in condensed "chord charts". Chord charts contain the time signature, chords, and order of sections in a song. Chord charts typically do not contain any lyrics or musical notation, so they are much more compact than full pages of sheet music. In chord charts, as in sheet music, measures are separated by vertical lines. Repeated measures of the same chord are notated by the percent symbol (%). The following is a simple chord chart for the song presented in sheet music above. Rock - a My Soul: 4/4 | D | % | A7 | % | D | % | A7 | D | | % | % | A7 | % | D | % | A7 | D | Try strumming through the above chord chart, and you will see that it produces the same guitar accompaniment as the sheet music for the song. Most songs contain sections of music that are repeated several times. The "chorus" of a song, for example, is typically the section which contains the words of the title, along with the most recognizable melody in the song. The "verses" typically contain melodies which are less catchy, and which tell the story of the song. Verse and chorus sections generally alternate throughout the length of a song. Often, to break up repetitive verses and choruses, a "bridge", or extra transitional section is added for variety. Introductions ("intros"), endings ("outros", or "tags"), and instrumental sections ("solos") are also often added for musical interest. The "form" of a song may

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be defined as its specific pattern of organized sections. The chords of repeated formal sections are generally the same every time a section is repeated. Typically, only the words change during repeated sections of a song. In chord charts, therefore, the chords to specific sections are only notated once. After that, every time a section of the song is referred to (usually enclosed in parentheses), you should play all of the chords which occurred in that section the first time. Below is a chord chart for the song "Wonderful Tonight", in which repeated sections of the song are enclosed in parentheses. The double vertical lines with two dots which surround the chords of the introduction are called "repeat signs". The chords enclosed by repeat signs should be played twice. Wonderful Tonight: Time signature: 4/4 Intro: ||: G | D | C | D :|| Verse: |G|D|C|D| |G|D|C|D| | C | D | G D | Em | |C|D| (Intro) - no repeat (Verse) Bridge: | C | D | G D | Em | |C|D|C|D| (Intro) (Verse) Tag: | G D | Em | C | D | (Intro) Last chord: | G | The examples below contain chord charts for a number of popular songs. Find some that you know and like, learn the necessary chords, and then practice playing through the chart until you can play all of the chords without stopping, while keeping the beat with your right hand. Try playing alond with a recording of the sond to help keep the beat and to smooth out difficult sections. Blowin' In the Wind: Time signature: 2/4

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Intro: | D | D | Verse: |D|G|A|D| |D|G|D|D| |D|G|A|D| |D|G|A|A| |D|G|A|D| |D|G|D|D| Chorus: |G|A|D|G| |G|A|D| Instrumental: |G|A|D|G| |G|A|D| (Verse) (Chorus) (Instrumental) (Verse) (Chorus) (Instrumental) Dock of the Bay: Time signature: 4/4 Intro: | G | G | G | G | Verse: | G | B7 | C | A | Chorus: |G|E|G|E| |G|A|G|E| (Verse) (Chorus) Bridge: |GD|C|GD|C| |GD|C|F|D|

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(Verse) (Chorus) Tag: | G | G | G | E | Pretty Woman: Time Signature: 4/4 Intro: | E7 | (2/4) E7 | Lick: | E7 | E7 | E7 | E7 | Verse: | A | F#m | A | F#m | | D | (2/4) D | E | E | |E|E| (Lick) (Verse) Bridge: | Dm | G | C | Am | | Dm | G | C | C | | Dm | G | C | Am | | Dm | G | C | A | (Lick) (Verse) Tag: | E | My Girl: Time signature: 2/4 Bass lick: | C | C | C | C | Guitar lick: | C | C | C | C | Verse: |C|C|F|F| | C | Dm | F | G | Chorus:

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|C|C|C|C| | Dm | Dm | G | Dm G | (Verse) (Chorus) (Bass lick) (Guitar lick) Instrumental: |C|C|F|F| | Dm | Dm | G | G | | Em | Em | A | A | Verse3: |D|D|G|G| | D | Em | G | A | Chorus3: |D|D|D|D| | Em | Em | A | Em A| Tag: |D|D|D|D| | Em | Em | A G | F#m Em | Lay Down Sally: Time signature: 2/4 Intro: | A | A | A7 | A7 | Verse: | A7 | A7 | A7 | A7 | | D | D | A7 | A7 | | A7 | A7 | D | D | |E|E| Chorus: |A|A|D|D| |E|E|A|A| Vamp: (Intro - repeat once) (Verse)

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(Chorus) Solo: (Intro - repeat eight times) (Verse) (Chorus) (Vamp) Redemption Song: Time signature: 4/4 Intro: | G | C G | G | D7 G | Verse: | G | Em | C C/B | Am | | G | Em | C | Am | | G | Em | C C/B | Am | | G | Em | C | D | D | Chorus: | G | C D | G | Am D | | Em | C D | G | C D | |G|CD| (Verse) (Chorus) Instrumental: | Em | C D | (Verse) (Chorus - repeat first line) Tag: | Am | D7 | D7 | (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction: Time signature: 4/4 Intro: | E | D | E | D | Chorus: |E|E|A|A| |E|E|A|A| | E | B7 | E | A |

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Verse: |E|D|E|D| |E|D|E|D| (Verse) (Chorus) (Verse) (Chorus) (Verse)

Copyright 2004 Nick Antonaccio. All rights reserved.

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Basic Song Structure

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Basic Song Structure | Print | In almost any discussion pertaining to music it is important to keep one thing in mind. There are no "rules". Nothing is written in stone. Much in music is largely up to interpretation. When it comes to songwriting, there are however, formulas and patterns that have proven to be successful time and again in regards to popular music and hit songs.

Songwriting Formulas
These "formulas" can apply to chord progressions. lyric content and, basic song structure. By understanding some elements of successful song structure you will have a better grasp on the songs that you learn to play, as well as the songs you write. Many popular and hit songs will typically follow one of a handful of different structures. They are used with great success because songwriters know that these are song structures that listeners are comfortable with and can relate to.

Verse-Chorus-Bridge
One of the most popular and well used formulas is the Verse-Chorus-Bridge song. The overall song structure can be shown as:

"verse/chorus/verse/chorus/bridge/chorus"

This formula is exactly as it looks. The song opens with the first verse (see "Songwriting - The Verse") which leads into the first chorus (see - "Songwriting - The Chorus"). Then the second verse leads to a second chorus. At that point the song would go to a bridge, which will typically go somewhere new musically and the bridge can be sung lyrically or played as an instrumental lead (see "Songwriting - The Bridge"). From the bridge the song goes to the final chorus before ending.

Verse-Chorus
Another common song structure is the Verse-Chorus formula. This is basically the same as the previous example except that there is not a bridge. In place of a bridge there may be an instrumental solo that is played over the chords of the verse or chorus. The structure may look like this:

"verse/chorus/verse/chorus/solo/chorus"

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Verse-Lift-Chorus
Yet another variation of the previous formulas is the Verse-Lift-Chorus structure. (see "Songwriting - The Lift") In this type of song there is a "lift" or "pre-chorus" that follows the verse and leads the song into the chorus. An example of this formula may look like this:

"verse/lift/chorus/verse/lift/chorus/solo/lift/chorus"

A couple of lesser used formulas would be the "AABA" and the "AAA" song structures

"AABA" Formula
The "AABA" formula does not have a chorus. It is just verses with a bridge. In this type of song the title or "hook" (see "Finding the Hook"), is typically stated in either the first or last part of the verses. An "AABA" formula may look like this:

"verse/verse/bridge/verse"

"AAA" Formula
Another lesser used formula is the "AAA" which, as you might guess, is simply multiple verses chained together into a song. You will see this formula quite a bit in older folk ballads, but has also been used to a limited degree in popular music. The structure would look like this:

"verse/verse/verse"

By far, the first three examples are formulas that are used over and over again. The reason is simple - they work! When you sit down to write your next song, try to be aware of what structure your song is going to take, and bear in mind the ones that have proven successful if you are writing toward a commercial audience. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions!

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Songwriting Basics - The Verse

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Songwriting Basics - The Verse

| Print |

As we discussed earlier, a typical song can be split up into various sections. (see "Basic Song Structure") By learning how to dissect a song into various sections you can make learning other artists songs much easier on the guitar. In addition, you can use that knowledge and apply it to your own songwriting. Today we will discuss the "verse" of a song. The verse is the part of the song that tells the "story" of what the song is about. In the verses the main "character(s)", the song setting, the song time and place, or the theme is laid for the listener. It is the place for describing what the song is about. The events or scenes in the verse should lead up to the big "payoff" which is the chorus. (see "Songwriting - Chorus")

Song Theme
The theme of the song should be clear from beginning to end and make sense to a listener without taking too many detours and confusing them. A great song starts out with a great opening verse. Within a line or two the listener has a pretty good feel for what the song is about. The opening verse does not have to give away any "surprises" that may come up in the chorus, but it should be clear from the beginning what the topic matter or theme of the song is.

Imagery
Great verses will describe what is going on using images and details. "The click of the quarter rolling down the coin slot" draws the listener in more than, "he played a song on the jukebox". The use of metaphors and simile in verse lyrics can be very effective in describing every day events in a fresh way.

Second Verse "Hell"

Let's say that you have written a great first verse. Everything is perfect. You have described the scene in a new and exciting way that is sure to get a listeners attention. The first verse leads naturally and seamlessly into the big chorus. Everything is coming together, but then you make an attempt at writing the second first and, suddenly, you've hit a brick wall. No matter what you try, nothing seems to fit right. This is what's known in Nashville as "second verse hell". What was once on the way to becoming a great song, gets stopped dead in its tracks. What do you do? One common thing that pro writers do, if the first verse does not seem to be going forward, is to work backwards. Take the first verse and make it your second verse, then write a new first verse that leads up to the second verse.

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The Theme Test

A common theme throughout the course of a song is essential for keeping the listener's attention. One popular way to check your song for continuity of theme is to check each line of the verses against the "hook". Read the first line of the first verse and then say your hook all in one sentence. Does that one line mesh with what you are saying with the hook? When spoken out loud does that one sentence (verse line to hook) make sense? Do they all tie in together? If not, if there is a break in the connection, it might be time to tweak your verse. Then do the same process for each individual line of each verse. Put them all to the continuity of theme test. If you discover that there is not one continuous theme throughout the whole song it will be hard to expect a listener to stick with you for three or four minutes. Next time you sit down to write try to keep some of these things in mind. By making sure that your verses are doing their job, your chances of writing good songs will increase dramatically. Here are some great songwriting resources you may want to check out. www.SongU.com Nashville Songwriters Association International www.Taxi.com Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions!

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Songwriting Basics - The Chorus

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Songwriting Basics - The Chorus | Print | Every book you have ever read, every movie you have ever seen, every story you have ever heard, has a point where the anticipation builds and builds until it reaches a climax. The big "payoff" where everything comes together.

The "Payoff"
In a song that climax, or "payoff", is known as the chorus. The chorus is the culmination of everything the song is about. The chorus is the big "aha" moment of the song. Choruses can be long or short, they can be repetitive or just narrative, they can have a melody that jumps out at you, or can sound like an extension of the verses, they can be anything you want them to be but rest assured, just about every song has a chorus of some sort.

The "Hook"
Contained within most choruses is the "hook" of the song. (see "Writing the Hook) Quite often the hook is simply the title of the song. Even if the hook is not the title, it is typically the part of the chorus that is most repetitive. Some say the "hook" or title should repeat three times in the chorus to make sure it sticks with the listener. In some choruses, the hook or title comes up in the first line of the chorus, then not again until the last line.

No "Rules"
Keep in mind, there are no "rules", just general formulas and patterns that have proven successful in popular music. If you were only able to work on writing one section of a song, it would most likely be the chorus. This is the part of the song that the listener remembers most - largely because many choruses are repetitive to some degree.

Chorus Melody & Lyrics

The melody of the chorus is usually different than for the verses. In many cases the chorus melody will soar in comparison. Often times the chorus will begin on a different chord than the verse and will use a different variation of the chord progression than the verses. Lyrically the chorus will normally surmmarize what the song is about. From a lyrical stand point the chorus says "this is what it is", and the verse says "this is how it got there".

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A well written chorus will stay with a listener after hearing it only once or twice. Often, they will be able to sing along with a great chorus before the song is even over.

Starting with the Chorus

Many songwriters use the chorus as the starting point. They focus all their energy on writing a solid chorus before attempting the verses. Once the chorus is written they can then build the rest of the song around that. If you are just starting out as a songwriter, try working on writing a good chorus - melody and lyrics - first. Then you have the foundation to start building the rest of the song around that. Just remember that the chorus is the most important part of your song, so try to give it the attention it deserves. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions!

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Songwriting Basics - The Bridge

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Songwriting Basics - The Bridge | Print | Many songs have a "bridge" section. A bridge is the point in the song that "bridges" the first part of the song to the last by way of introducing something new and different than the verses (see "Songwriting - The Verse"), and the choruses (see "Songwriting - The Chorus"). A bridge can be lyrical or musical, and will typically be comprised of a chord progression that is unlike the verses and choruses. For the listener, the bridge serves as a place to "break the monotony" of the verses and choruses in the first part of the song, which leaves the final chorus sounding "fresh".

Bridge Lyrics
Lyrically a bridge will often summarize the theme of the song, but say it in a new way. Bridges are not normally just a continuation of the story line in the verses. For example: If the verses of a song described how a man and woman met and fell for each other - and then the choruses said "I Could Never Love Anyone But You" - the bridge might summarize that theme by saying "You're all I see when I'm awake, You're all I see when I sleep". The trick is to say what has been said - but in a new and fresh way!

Bridge Muscially
Musically, a bridge should go somewhere new as well. By introducing a fresh set of chords or a different slant on the main chord progression, the listener will hear the final chorus with "new ears" and will not suffer from "repetitive burnout", resulting in them switching channels! For example: A song that is based on a G, C, D, chord progression might, at the bridge, go to an Em or Am minor. Or, it might go to one of the chords in the progression and do a twist on those like a walk down to a minor chord. The possibilities are limitless, but a good bridge will normally lead naturally back into the first chord of the last chorus.

Bridge Timing
Another method for writing a good bridge is to change the timing sequence of the chord progression in the bridge to make it different than the rest of the song. For example: If the chords for the verses and choruses change on the "one" beat of each measure, you might consider playing chords for the bridge that change more quickly - like on the "one" and "three" of each measure. Or on every beat of the measure, or on every other measure. You get the idea.

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Bridge Ideas
Good bridges can be a challenge to write, but are a proven method of successful song structure. A good way to get some ideas for where bridges can go is to just listen to the radio and pay close attention when songs go to a bridge. One band that writes amazing bridges is the Eagles. Check out some of their stuff. Sometimes when you have written a song that really works, that feels like it's ready to go - it can be easy to say "this song doesn't need a bridge". And it's true that some songs don't. But it may be well worth it to explore the possibilities of incorporating a bridge into your song. It's a formula that works, and you may be surprised how much it will add to your song! Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions!

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Songwriting Basics - The Lift

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Songwriting Basics - The Lift Many songs have a component known as a "lift" or "pre-chorus".

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The lift, or pre-chorus, typically follows a verse (see "Songwriting - The Verse") and serves as a lead-in to the chorus (see "Songwriting - The Chorus"). Although a lift is basically an extension of the verse, it will normally differ from the verse musically, melodically and lyrically.

The Lift - Musically

Unlike a bridge (see "Songwriting - The Bridge"), which often goes in a brand new direction musically, the lift tends to stay in a similar musical "tone" as the verse. The chord progression of a lift usually flows seamlessly from the verse to the chorus but is still different enough to signal to the listener that the song is moving to the chorus. For example: If the verse of a song played back and forth from G to D during the verse, and the chorus started on a C, the lift might come in on an Am to a D before starting the chorus on C. That movement to the Am triggers a signal that the chord progression is coming to a change and allows the progression to move smoothly to the first chord (C) of the chorus.

The Lift - Melodically

In our discussion on song melody (see "Songwriting - Melody"), we talked about the fact that many times the melody of the verses will be subdued in comparison to the melody of a chorus that "soars". Quite often, the melody in the lift will raise slightly higher than the verse, but still remain lower than the chorus. It is in this way that a lift has the effect of "lifting" the song from the verse up to the climax of the chorus. Hence the name "lift".

The Lift - Lyrically

The tricky part of a lift lyrically is to have it say something that reiterates what was said in the verse, but still lead into the message of the chorus. The lyrics of the lift will often summarize the sentiments of the verse in such a way that it naturally brings the listener into the chorus. In many songs, the lyrics of the lift are repeated throughout the song.

Add a Lift to Your Songs

When writing your own songs, try to add a lift where it feels right. You can often turn the end of a verse into a lift by just making a subtle change in the chord progression and/or melody. The lift or pre-chorus is an effective way of setting up your choruses so next time you sit down to write, work on inserting a lift to spice things up a bit!

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Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions!

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