Topics / Music Theory / Harmony / Chord Progressions

Chord Progressions

Chord progressions are the way harmonies move from one moment to the next. They are one of the clearest ways to create expectation, contrast, tension, and release in music.

A progression does not need to be complicated to feel effective. Even a small loop of two, three, or four chords can carry a strong emotional identity if the timing, voicing, and repetition are right.

Why they matter

Chord progressions help define the emotional direction of a section. A melody can float above many different harmonic backgrounds, but once the chord movement changes, the whole meaning of the phrase can change with it.

That is why progression writing is useful not only for theory practice but for real composition decisions.

A practical beginner approach

Start by listening for function rather than names.

  • Which chord feels like home?
  • Which chord feels like movement?
  • Which chord feels unresolved?

That way chord progressions become something you can hear and shape, not just something you memorize on paper.

Also matches: non-diatonic chord progressions, progression writing, chord progressions, chord progression

Posts in this topic

Creating Dynamic Non-Diatonic Chord Progressions with Bitwig Studio
Tutorial Creating Dynamic Non-Diatonic Chord Progressions with Bitwig Studio

In this video, I show how to create non-diatonic chord progressions that rotate around the circle of fifths with the help of the note grid in Bitwig Studio. I also explain how to follow this workflow to create bass lines and melody lines. I demonstrate how to use the pitch signal and multiply it with seven to get nice patterns. I also explain how to use the note wrap tool to keep the notes within a certain octave range. Finally, I demonstrate how to use a polysend and note quantizer to make sure the notes fit the chords.

Creating Chord Progressions with the Circle of Fifths in Bitwig Studio
Tutorial Creating Chord Progressions with the Circle of Fifths in Bitwig Studio

In this video, I show how to use the Circle of Fifths in Bitwig Studio's Note Grid to create interesting and complex chord progressions. I demonstrate how to set up the Note Grid, activate trigger buttons to send out the chords, and adjust the settings such as adding a seventh or ninth to get different chord variations. I also show how to record the chord progressions in an instrument track. Finally, I explain why this device is useful for those who don't know how to play the piano and how it can be used to jam with a rhythm to create interesting chord progressions.

Easy Chords and Melodies in Bitwig
Tutorial Easy Chords and Melodies in Bitwig

In this video, I talk about a diatonic transposer that can be used in Bitwig to create chord progressions. By using the diatonic transposer, you can correct wrong notes to the right notes of a scale, making it easier to create chord progressions that stay within a specific scale. I demonstrate how to use the diatonic transposer in Bitwig by choosing a scale and mode, and then using the multi-note function to duplicate the notes to different keys. This allows you to easily find starting chord progressions. I also show how to use the diatonic transposer with an arpeggiator to experiment with chord changes, and how to use it with a bassline by using the note receiver and the arpeggiator. Additionally, I introduce the plugin "Cthulu" which allows you to choose specific notes from a chord to create melody lines. I explain that while diatonic chords can be a good starting point, it's important to break out of the diatonic scale scheme at times to add variation and interest to your compositions. I hope this tutorial provides some ideas for creating interesting melody lines and chord progressions, and I encourage viewers to comment with any questions or tutorial requests.

Creating Jazzy Chord Progressions in Bitwig Studio
Tutorial Creating Jazzy Chord Progressions in Bitwig Studio

In this video, I demonstrate a simple trick to create a modal chord progression in Bitwig Studio. By stacking major chords and using a multi-note, I'm able to create a jazzy, yet smooth chord progression that is not in a set scale. I then use a note wrap preset to create an auto-inversion effect, and use a pitch quantizer to ensure that the notes fit the chords. To add to the jazzy feel of the track, I use a polysynth with a channel filter to create a bass line, and an arpeggiator with note repeat for a more interesting melody.

How to Create Non-Diatonic Chord Progressions with the diatonic Transposer
Tutorial How to Create Non-Diatonic Chord Progressions with the diatonic Transposer

In this video, I share some tips and tricks for using the diatonic transposer in Bitwig Studio to create jazzy chord progressions. I show how to use a multi note device in combination with a key filter and transposer to create a chord brush. I also demonstrate how to use a pitch 12 to modulate multi notes between major and minor chords. Lastly, I show how to create chord gradients by stacking notes in seven semitone steps.

Bitwig Note Grid - Easy Chord Progressions with Pedal Tones
Tutorial Bitwig Note Grid - Easy Chord Progressions with Pedal Tones

In this video, I demonstrate a technique for creating melodies and chord progressions using a note grid and virtual instruments, allowing for the layering of sounds with minimal input by playing single notes and adding static pedal tones. This approach enables improvisation with one note to generate complex harmonic textures, which can later be refined or altered. The method is versatile, suitable for various music styles, and emphasizes creativity and experimentation to inspire new musical ideas.

Review of VA Productions Ports Chord Progression Tool
Tutorial Review of VA Productions Ports Chord Progression Tool

In this video, I reviewed the court version tool called Ports by VA Productions. I tried out the demo version and gave my impressions of it. I found that it was a nice starting point for inexperienced producers like myself, as it has a pool of chord shapes to select from. However, I found that it was largely a trial-and-error based plugin, with no real guide for constructing a good chord progression. I also noted that you can't see which notes are overlapping with the next chord, and that it would be nice to have a feature that lets you control the rhythm of the chord progression. In conclusion, I found Ports to be a useful tool, but it could benefit from some additional features.

Chords without Scales and the Bitwig Note Grid
Tutorial Chords without Scales and the Bitwig Note Grid

In this video, I explain how to create harmonies using only note intervals or relations. By understanding the relationships between notes and intervals, you can easily build chord progressions and create different chord shapes. With the help of the pitch bus and voice stacking in the note grid, you can manipulate the chord progression and create variations.

Diatonic Chord Spreading - easy chords and progressions
Tutorial Diatonic Chord Spreading - easy chords and progressions

In this video, I demonstrate how to create an unusual chord progression tool using Bitwig Studio, experimenting with note stacking, transposing, and modulation to generate interesting harmonic structures. By leveraging Bitwig's note grid and modulation features, I show how to keep the chords within a chosen scale, like D# minor, while allowing for dynamic changes in chord shapes and progressions. Finally, I provide the preset for download so viewers can explore and customize their own chord progressions.

Creating Unique Chord Progressions with NoteFX in Bitwig Studio
Tutorial Creating Unique Chord Progressions with NoteFX in Bitwig Studio

In this video, I showed some ways to create court versions with the NoteFX devices of Bitwig Studio. I demonstrated how to use the diatonic transpose to bring chords to a certain scale, and how to use the octave wrapper to move notes within an octave range. I also showed how to use the multi note to create chords with different amounts of modulation and how to mix major and minor chords together. Finally, I showed how to use a macro knob to create inversions with one knob.

Chord Maker - Bitwig Piano Roll Extension
Tutorial Chord Maker - Bitwig Piano Roll Extension

In this video, I introduced my new Chord Maker controller script for Bitwig Studio, which creates simple diatonic chord progressions in the piano roll. It allows users to choose modes, re-voice notes, and add bass or seventh notes, providing a great starting point for music creation with the ability to customize further. I also provided instructions on accessing and troubleshooting the script, inviting feedback for potential improvements.

Exploring the New Note Grid in Bitwig 4.2: Tips and Tricks
Tutorial Exploring the New Note Grid in Bitwig 4.2: Tips and Tricks

In this video, I discuss the new Note Grid device in Bitwig Studio 4.2 and how it can be used to create interesting patterns and chord progressions. I explain how the Note Grid is similar to the Poly Grid and FX Grid devices, but is specifically dedicated to node functions. I demonstrate how to use the Note Grid to create polyphonic and monophonic sounds as well as how to use it to harmonize with a chord track. Finally, I demonstrate how to use the Note Grid to target individual notes and transpose them.

Circle of Fifths in Bitwig
Tutorial Circle of Fifths in Bitwig

In this video, I explore harmony theory beyond the typical diatonic framework, encouraging viewers to use the circle of fifths for a broader understanding of chord progressions. I demonstrate how to create more interesting harmonies by borrowing chords from outside the standard scale and discuss using a visual tool I've developed to facilitate this process. This approach allows for more creative freedom in music composition by enabling experimentation with different scales and chords while maintaining a tonal center.

Discovering Chords with Bitwig Studio's Ratio Setting
Tutorial Discovering Chords with Bitwig Studio's Ratio Setting

In this video, I talk about the ratio setting feature in Bitwig Studio, and how it can be used to create interesting melodies and chords. I explain how it works and how to use it to create chords by modulating simple ratios. I also discuss how to use the ratio setting with equal temperament, just intonation, and how to use the pitch quantizer to correct the frequency. Finally, I demonstrate how to use the ratio setting to create chord progressions and scales that sound pleasing to the ear.

Circulating Chords: Easy Music Creation with Bitwig Studio 5.1
Tutorial Circulating Chords: Easy Music Creation with Bitwig Studio 5.1

In this video, I demonstrate how to create a chord progression tool using Bitwig Studio 5.1. By utilizing the pitch bus and node grid, I show how to easily create melodies, chords, and inversions while staying within a specific octave range. The preset used in the video is available for download in the video description.

Creating a Chord Progression Tool in Bitwig Studio
Tutorial Creating a Chord Progression Tool in Bitwig Studio

In this video, I demonstrated how to create a code progression tool or preset inside Bitwig Studio. I explained step-by-step how to create quads, change the relationships between notes, introduce rhythmic elements, apply swing and groove, route notes to different instruments, bounce MIDI clips, and tweak further. I also showed how the Poly-Grid device works and how it can interact with VST instruments, synthesizers and external hardware. Finally, I introduced some tips such as using attinuates to scale down the pitch range, creating chromatic chords, quantizing the rhythm with sample and holds, and using a macro knob to change the scale from the outside.

The Power of Intervals: Understanding Melodies, Chords, and Scale Highlighting Features
Tutorial The Power of Intervals: Understanding Melodies, Chords, and Scale Highlighting Features

In today's video, I want to discuss melodies, chords, and scale highlighting features. Somebody commented on my previous video about using a note grid that emits random melodies and modifying it with a key filter to accommodate those who are less familiar with music theory. However, I believe this approach is not feasible because the scale highlighting feature in Ableton Live, for example, can be misleading. When you select the scale feature in Ableton Live, it highlights certain notes in green. For C major, all the white keys are highlighted. However, it also selects other scales and modes such as D Dorian, E Phrygian, and so on.

Global Chord Track in Bitwig
Tutorial Global Chord Track in Bitwig

In yesterday's video, I created a dynamic global transpositioning tool for Bitwig. In today's video, I created a global chord track using a synthesizer and a note clip. By using the note grid and the global chord track, I was able to automatically correct the pitch of my piano solo and create a bass line that followed the chord progression.