Music

Recycling Chord Progressions to Write That Next Hit

Alan Cross 5 Comments

Mike says:  

“It’s surprising how many songs we all know and love are actually built on the same chord progressions but we would never realize it.

“This video proves that quite well (just wait till the unexpected surprise at 1:24). It just goes to show you don’t have to reinvent the wheel to score a number one hit!”

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 38040 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

5 thoughts on “Recycling Chord Progressions to Write That Next Hit”

  • Mark: I thought of the exact same video when I saw this! Axis of Awesome does a much better job I think.

    Reply
  • Mike Moniz
    June 17, 2012 at 1:25 am
    Permalink

    One mistake there. "Closing Time" by Semisonic isn't the same pattern as those others. They all fall into the I, V, minor VI, IV pattern. Closing time is I, V, minor III, IV pattern ala something like Knocking On Heaven's Door. Harmonically it is different though at first listen it may not appear to be.

    Sorry, the musician nerd in me couldn't let it go! 😉

    Reply
  • Just Me and adam
    June 17, 2012 at 3:14 am
    Permalink

    closing time is a I ,V ,Minor II ,IV ( G ,D Am,C) not a III

    Reply
  • Mike Moniz
    June 17, 2012 at 4:39 pm
    Permalink

    D'OH!!! Just Me and adam is right! Typo on my part! Oops!

    Reply

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