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Music Theory: Chord Progression Types

2,331 views · Published 23 February 2018 · 8:22 · Indexed 4 November 2026

Channel: Scott Watson · 2018 · Music

Many music theory texts categorize the kinds of chord progressions used (moving from one chord to another) in a composition. In this video, Dr. Watson explains five chord progression types frequently found in "common practice" music:

1) Circle Progression (ascending 4th) - Chords whose roots move up a 4th (or down a 5th).
2) Ascending 5ths (or descending 4th, opposite of circle progression) - This moves us away from the tonic.
3) Ascending 2nd - Such as the progression from IV to V.
4) Descending 3rd - Such as the progression I to vi.
5) Substitutes for the Dominant - Such as the Leading Tone chord or the (pre-dominant) Tonic 6/4 (followed by dominant).

These chord progression types can help you decide what chords to use when harmonizing a melody.

Dr. Scott Watson teaches in the School of Music at Cairn University (Langhorne, PA). To investigate how YOU can unlock your musical talents at this Philadelphia-area Christian liberal arts university, please visit: https://cairn.edu/worship-music-ma-online/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=MAWorshipMusic&utm_id=Watson25

Music Theory: Chord Progression Types

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