• Although hundreds of different chord progressions are possible, most tend to follow a pattern.
• In a major key, the goal of any chord progression is the I chord.
• The rest of the pattern is based around the strongest ways to get to this chord.
• An authentic cadence (V -> I) or (viio -> I) is the strongest way to approach a I chord.
• Next, we use circle progressions.
• The strongest way to approach V is a circle progression from ii.
• The strongest way to approach viio is a circle progression from IV.
• The strongest way to approach IV is a circle progression from I; however, since I is already on the chart, we will not repeat it.
• A circle progression from vi leads us to ii.
• A circle progression from iii leads us to vi.
• The strongest way to get to iii is a circle progression from viio, which is already on the chart.
• Finally, since I is the main chord of the scale, it can go to any other chord.
• Now that the chart is complete, there are a few terms that you should learn.
• Recall that the term ''dominant'' means the fifth scale degree. Since the V chord is built on the dominant, it is a dominant chord.
• Since viio functions like V (by going to I), it can also be labeled as a dominant.
• Hence, V and viio are dominants.
• Since ii and IV come before V and viio, they are usually labeled as predominants.
• Let's work out a chord progression using the chart. We will start at I.
• Next, we can choose any chord. Let's go to vi.
• Now, we can choose either ii or IV.
• Let's go with IV.
• Now, we can choose either V or viio. Let's go with V.
• Finally, V takes us back to I.
• Our finished chord progression is: I->vi->IV->V->I.
• The chord progression chart for minor scales is very similar to the major scale chart. There is only one main difference.
• The strongest way to approach III is not viio. Instead, it is a circle progression from VII.
• A circle progression from iv to VII completes the chart.
• It should be noted that the charts do not have to be followed strictly. If a progression is not presented, a composer is not banned from using it.