|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
A light bulb went on in my head today. No doubt most of you maestros already know this but I thought I would share for the less experienced... For most songs these days - you only actually need to know 4, yes FOUR, chords, no matter what the key. In fact it is even easier for guitarists as the capo allows you to use the same 4 chords in any key.  I - V(7) - vi - IV. For example: G - D(7) - Em - C... 36 hit songs with the same 4 chords and the same progression
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 664
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 664 |
Some songs are based on one or two chords, but the musical interest is created on what is going on inside the chordal structure. The same song can be played with 3 chords or 13 chords or as Frank Zappa said, "It's all one big note."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996 |
Hi Sam, This subject came up not long ago: http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/showthreaded.php?Cat=0&Number=287862&page=0&vc=1A couple of thoughts: - I find, listening to many big selling pop albums of the day (Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars...), it is not unusual for 2 or 3 songs to be built around this structure. - are there any recorded instances of songs earlier than Let it Be following this pattern. If not, then it could be that Paul McCartney's reputation should be even greater than it already is. Marc
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
I know nothing of theory but I'll put in my $.02.
ALL pop/country/rock songs are really structured around a 1-4-5 progression.Assuming use of diatonic scale. The variance comes in the use of the 2-3-6-7.
The 2m is just a substitute for the 4
The 3m is just a substitute for the 5
The 6m is just a substitute for the 1
The 7dim is just a transition chord.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Quote:
ALL pop/country/rock songs are really structured around a 1-4-5 progression
Add blues, bluegrass, folk, etc. to that list. It's what our ears expect to hear. When these genres stray too far from that formula, it may sound strange to our ears.
Sometimes that can be good or "surprising". Sometimes not. In reality, it would be difficult if not impossible to come up with a truly unique progression, or at least one that would be pleasing to the listener.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Quote:
Quote:
ALL pop/country/rock songs are really structured around a 1-4-5 progression
Add blues, bluegrass, folk, etc. to that list. It's what our ears expect to hear. When these genres stray too far from that formula, it may sound strange to our ears.
Sometimes that can be good or "surprising". Sometimes not. In reality, it would be difficult if not impossible to come up with a truly unique progression, or at least one that would be pleasing to the listener.
Agreed. I forgot the "etc" in my post.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,726
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,726 |
Quote:
I know nothing of theory but I'll put in my $.02.
ALL pop/country/rock songs are really structured around a 1-4-5 progression.Assuming use of diatonic scale. The variance comes in the use of the 2-3-6-7.
The 2m is just a substitute for the 4
The 3m is just a substitute for the 5
The 6m is just a substitute for the 1
The 7dim is just a transition chord.
Yes, but it is knowing/feeling when to play each one, with what feeling/style and for how many beats. 
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,096
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,096 |
Quote:
Quote:
I know nothing of theory but I'll put in my $.02.
ALL pop/country/rock songs are really structured around a 1-4-5 progression.Assuming use of diatonic scale. The variance comes in the use of the 2-3-6-7.
The 2m is just a substitute for the 4
The 3m is just a substitute for the 5
The 6m is just a substitute for the 1
The 7dim is just a transition chord.
Yes, but it is knowing/feeling when to play each one, with what feeling/style and for how many beats.
Later,
Along those lines, I once had a teacher explain to me that it was not so much what you play but when you played it! More about the silence in between the notes then the notes themselves that made the magic in music.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163 |
I bet you could put pen to paper and write one now that you know the 4 chords  There is a comedian band on YouTube that covers this. I forgot their name, but I believe they come up under "4 chord song" search there. They were very funny. Trax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 317
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 317 |
Sam, have a listen to the you tube below by the Axis of Awesome they give one of the best preformances on this subject. The link looks strange but it works, http://youtu.be/5pidokakU4IDennis
There are only 3 kinds of musicians: those that can count, and those that can't!
PC AMD A4-5300 APU 3.4 GHz, 8gb RAM, 1T HDD, Windows 10,
Reaper 4.77, BIAB2018, PTPA12, RB2018, Roland VS-880 DAW
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610 |
More songs are probably built around these chords than the ones that have been mentioned: I - VI - IV (IIm7) - V Later, Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,342
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,342 |
Just finished a song right now. It had to be uplifting and it had to be simple and I had to produce it very quick; two days! (it usually takes me months to write and record a song) . Came up with a simple blues and used BiaB to do all the playing. I sang all parts and used a cheesy setting from my VoiceLive 2. Why do I tell this? Oh yes..... I used only three (very simple!) chords. At first wrote it in the key of F, but decided G suited my voice better. Thank you Peter Gannon for letting me transpose at the touch of a key I will upload the song to my site so you can hear the song should you wish. I'll post it in a new thread.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
Well done, Mike. His Bobness is well knownfor his early 3 chord songs.
Dennis, somebody pointed that outto me on FaceBook, which is when the light came on!
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616 |
I first became aware of this watching the musical 'Grease'. One of the characters wanted to play R&R guitar and found out he had to learn only four chords: C, Am, F, G7. Here is the song he sang and based it on his mastery of those chords... Those Magic Changes I actually love the song. Those chords are essential but it's all about the melody! R
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,096
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,096 |
Quote:
I first became aware of this watching the musical 'Grease'. One of the characters wanted to play R&R guitar and found out he had to learn only four chords: C, Am, F, G7. Here is the song he sang and based it on his mastery of those chords...
Those Magic Changes
I actually love the song. Those chords are essential but it's all about the melody!
R
Boy oh boy, live and learn. I never put together the song title along with the reference to the "chord" changes, which is made in this tune.
Very cool. And yes, then it is all about the melody.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Quote:
"Look what Beethoven did with twelve notes. Look at what Elvis did with two." -Zig Ziglar
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,942
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,942 |
Look at what Hank Williams Sr. did with two chords: JAMBALYA
That to me is awesome to be able to do that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 79
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 79 |
Sonofagun! I just listened to Paul Simon's new album, and by my count, of ten songs, they ALL have (pretty much) only one chord each, except one song. What's up, Paul... is that what they mean by "Simonizing"? 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,345
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,345 |
Quote:
he had to learn only four chords: C, Am, F, G7
Years ago, that was known as "a cantor change".
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,276
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,276 |
On the 19th of May, Marc wrote:
"- are there any recorded instances of songs earlier than Let it Be following this pattern. If not, then it could be that Paul McCartney's reputation should be even greater than it already is.
Marc"
*****************
If I'm not mistaken (I'm at work so no guitar to try this on), the Everly Brothers ballad Dream Dream Dream had the same chord progression.
Googling shows "Let It Be" published in 1970 and "Dream Dream Dream" in 1958.
I'm guessing that there are earlier songs though, that use this chord pattern.
LLOYD S
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,635
Posts807,788
Members40,179
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean