Understand Chord Theory and Progressions

MusicIntermediateHome

90 minutes

5 steps

·Intermediate

After 90 min: You can identify any major or minor chord by ear and understand why progressions work emotionally.

What you need

Instrument or keyboardStaff paper

The 90-Minute Plan

Learn chord anatomy0–15 min

A chord is 3+ notes stacked in thirds. C major = C (root) + E (third) + G (fifth). A minor = A + C + E. Major chords sound bright, minor chords sound sad. Play these 20 times each.

Build triads on all notes15–38 min

Create major and minor triads starting on each note: C-E-G (C major), D-F#-A (D major), etc. Write them out. Play them on your instrument. Understand the pattern.

Hear progressions emotionally38–62 min

Play I-IV-V-I (stable to unsettled to tense to resolved). Play I-vi-IV-V (sadder progression used in sad songs). Feel the emotional arc. Listen to songs and identify these progressions.

Analyze a song's progression62–78 min

Pick a song. Identify the chord progression by ear. Confirm using online chord charts. Understand why the songwriter chose those chords. Do 3 songs. Pattern recognition matters.

Create your own progression78–90 min

Write 4 chords that tell an emotional story (sad to hopeful, for example). Play it repeatedly. Maybe add a melody. You're now composing, not just playing.

Pro Tip

Emotion in music is algorithmic—I-IV-V-I almost always sounds happy because of how intervals interact. Theory explains why songs make you feel.