Commonly Used Chord Progressions in Pop Music: Annoying or Essential?

Pop music often relies on a few common chord progressions that can sometimes feel repetitive or overused. These consist of simple and catchy formulas that evoke strong emotional responses, making them perfect for creating hits. However, their frequent use can lead to listener fatigue, especially when they are overutilized. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular chord progressions that some listeners find annoying, as well as delve into why they are so ubiquitous.

The Most Annoying Common Chord Progressions

According to popular opinion and the insights from Jim Daviss, several chord progressions can become repetitive and less enjoyable for listeners due to their extensive use. Here are five of the most annoying ones:

I–V–vi–IV

This progression, often represented as C–G–Am–F, has been featured in numerous hits. Its frequent use in pop music can lead to a feeling of predictability, which can become tiresome for listeners.

I–vi–IV–V

The C–Am–F–G progression, a classic in both jazz and pop, can also be quite repetitive. This cycle of chords can create a sense of resolution, but its overuse can be monotonous.

ii–V–I

The Dm–G–C progression, a staple in both jazz and pop, is another example of a repetitive chord progression. Its predominance in music can create a sense of familiarity, but also monotonous predictability.

I–IV–V

The straightforward C–F–G progression is one of the most foundational in rock and pop music. Although it is catchy, its frequent use in countless tracks can lead to listener fatigue.

I–V–IV

The C–G–F progression, found in many anthemic songs, can create a familiar but predictable sound. This progression has been used in numerous popular tracks, often leading to listener annoyance due to its ubiquity.

Less Annoying, Yet Common Chord Progressions

While the previously mentioned progressions can become quite tiresome, there are other popular chord progressions that are less intrusive and more varied. Here are a few of them:

vi–IV–I–V

This progression, often represented as Am–F–C–G, was popularized by hits like “Let It Go” from Frozen. Although catchy, its overuse can also lead to listener fatigue. This progression is characterized by a movement that is both simple and effective, but can become repetitive when overused.

The Role of Modulation and Progression Variations

As noted by Jim Daviss, the annoyance with certain chords often stems from their overuse. However, the progression itself is not the only factor. For instance, the modulation into III parallel major, such as i-i-IV-V, can become particularly grating when repeatedly used. Additionally, the i-I7-iv progression, like Em-E7-Am, can be overused, leading to a similar response of listener fatigue.

The surrounding chords may vary, but the specific path i-i-IV-VI-III can be particularly cliche and lead to a sense of monotony. This specific progression can be heard in songs like:

This progression is particularly common in pop music and can be found in numerous tracks. While it is catchy, its frequent use can lead to listener annoyance.

How to Use Chord Progressions Effectively

Jim Daviss emphasizes that the annoyance with these progressions is not just about the progression itself, but also about how it is used in the song. The emotional context, the melody, and how it supports or contrasts with other elements in the music are crucial. This means that even the most commonly used chord progressions can be made fresh and engaging by creative use.

For example, the progression i-i-IV-VI-III can be less grating when used sparingly or creatively. Similarly, the i-I7-iv progression can be less overused if it is not the central focus of the song but rather a part of a more complex harmonic structure.

Conclusion

While some chord progressions can become grating due to their overuse, it is essential to understand the role of creativity and context in their application. By considering the emotional impact, supporting melody, and overall structure of the song, one can create music that resonates with listeners without falling into the trap of repetitive and tiresome progressions.

Pop music, with its reliance on these common chord progressions, can still produce memorable and engaging tracks. It is the skill and art of the songwriter and composer that can turn these progressions from annoying to essential elements of their art.