There are many different types of piano chord progressions, but they can all be divided into three categories: major, minor, and mixed chord progressions. Music theory, specifically chord progression theory, dictates the rules for chord progressions. These rules can be bent by musicians who want to create unique piano chord progressions, but they are generally best followed. The I chord can lead to any other chord in any scale, and the iii chord can lead to the vi chord, which can lead to the ii or IV chords. The progression should go from the ii or IV chords to the V or vii chord before returning to the I chord.
The majority of common piano chord progressions can be deduced from music theory. Each note in a scale is represented by a number between one and seven, which are often displayed as roman numerals in chord theory. C, D, E, F, G, A, and B are the notes that make up the C major scale, and they are numbered one through seven in that order. Major chords are always played in the first (I), fourth (IV), and fifth (V) positions, while minor chords are always played in the second (ii), third (iii), and sixth (vi) positions. It’s always a diminished chord in the seventh (vii).
One of the most basic piano chord progressions is the major chord progression. The major chords, which are found in the first, fourth, and fifth positions of any scale, are used in these. Most chord progressions should begin with the I chord, which can lead to any chord in the scale. If the chord progression continued to the IV chord, it could then move to the V chord before returning to the I chord. The most basic of the major piano chord progressions is this one.
Minor piano chord progressions work in a similar way, but they use minor chords from the scale’s positions ii, iii, and vi. They can also switch between chords by using the I chord and the V or vii chord. The progression could begin with the I chord and progress to the iii chord, then the vi chord, and finally the ii chord. From here, the progression must go to the V or vii chord before returning to the I chord or returning to iii.
To create a more interesting sound, other piano chord progressions can combine minor and major chords. Other types of chords, such as seventh chords, can be used to create new effects as well. It’s also worth noting that musicians don’t always follow chord theory’s rules to the letter.