Skip to content
Music Protest
Search
  • Home
  • Courses By Topic
  • Contact
Menu
  • Home
  • Courses By Topic
  • Contact
Member Login

Member Login

or
Login with Google
Login with Facebook
  • Register
  • Forgot your password?

My Group(s):

Instructor Messaging

Home » Production » Articles » Playing Cooler Chords Pt. 1

Playing Cooler Chords Pt. 1

Let’s talk about how you can turn ordinary, plain chord progressions into cool chord progressions. I’m going to start with an example here in the key of D major, I’ve chosen the chords D, A, Bm and G, and these are all chords that are in the key of D major. They’re made from notes within that key. Now, it’s really typical that we call these a I-V-vi and IV chord because they’re built off of those scale degrees. The 1st, the 5th, the 6th and the 4th scale degrees, but what about other degrees like the 7th?

Well, in this case, I’m going to actually use a C# half-diminished chord, which is the vii∅ chord in this key (D major) and substitute it for our A. That leaves us with this progression of I-vii∅7-vi and IV. Substituting a vii∅ chord for a V chord is a great way to make your chord progression a little cooler. Give it a try.

Check out Part 2 of this series about Reharmonizing with Fully Diminished Transition Chords

Also, check out Part 3 of this series about Reharmonizing with Minor iv Chords

  • September 27, 2017
  • Tags: Harmony, Reharmonization
  • Category: Music Composition, Music Theory, Production

Get Started For Free

Choose a free course in any topic and get your first free video lesson in your email inbox immediately.

(Seriously in, like, 5 seconds).

View Course Topics

We'll Keep You Engaged

Most students have tried lessons, but lost interest & gave up.

Music Protest is different because students get hands-on right away!

Set Goals & Make Progress

Easily track your progress, quiz scores, points, badges and certificates. You're in charge.

We've got your back.

  • About Music Protest
  • Sitemap
  • Web Links
  • Privacy Policy
  • Ask Your Instructor
  • Request a Topic
Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube