
Progression Gallery
Why do classic chord progressions never get old?
An in-depth guide that breaks famous chord progressions down from three angles: the theory, the songs that use them, and the sound itself. Analyze the patterns that keep showing up in hits, and "why does this feel so right?" turns into insight you can apply to your own songwriting.
15min›26min›35min›45min›56min›
I–V–vi–IV (Axis / Pop Punk) — The Four Chords That Built Modern Pop
Pachelbel's Canon (I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V) — Baroque Bass to Modern Pop
50s Progression (I–vi–IV–V) — The Sound of Doo-Wop
vi–IV–I–V (Sensitive Female / Axis Rotation) — Same Four Chords, Opposite Emotional Arc
IV–V–iii–vi (Royal Road) — The Japanese Hit-Making Progression That Lands on a Minor
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Hear these progressions in action
Load any preset into the OtoTheory iOS app, swap keys and grooves, and analyze your own songs to spot the patterns yourself.
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