5 Hacks for Better Chord Progressions

Learn how to write better chord progressions, by using melodic motifs, a pedal root, anticipations, sus chords (AKA suspended chords), inversions, and more.
►Free Book: RevolutionHarmony.com/Books
►Online Course: RevolutionHarmony.com/Apprent...
►Songwriting & Producing PDF: RevolutionHarmony.com/Books
2:03 Hack 1: Pedal Root
2:43 Hack 2: Triads & Inversions
5:36 Hack 3: Sus Chords & Anticipations
7:09 Hack 4: Melodic Motifs
9:10 Hack 5: Join Notes
10:27 Playthrough of Final Chord Progression
►Apprenticeship #1 (Mile Zero) Playlist: • 8 Hacks for Better Bas...
By using these music theory hacks, you can write a better chord progression which will result in a mega memorable chord progression for your song. This example is in the Aeolian mode, AKA the natural minor scale, but these chord progression theory hacks can be used in any mode, for any pop song (yes, including hip-hop, rock, R&B, EDM, etc.). So, if you want to learn how to write a great chord progression, then use these 5 songwriting hacks and music hacks to produce and write a song that's contagiously catchy. But first... tea!
What is the HACK MUSIC THEORY show?
Hello, we're Kate Harmony and Ray Harmony, and together we are Revolution Harmony. If you’re new to our channel, welcome, and please allow us to introduce ourselves. We're music producers based in beautiful Vancouver, Canada, and we’re also the founders of Hack Music Theory, the pioneering notation-free method for making great music. Every Monday, you’ll find us here on KZbin sharing our top secret music theory hacks, which are designed to transform you into a super confident music maker whose songs will stand out on those Spotify playlists. So, whether you’re a beginner or a professional, a songwriter or a producer, an instrumentalist or a DAW musician, our music theory hacks will have you writing great songs in no time!
Who is RAY HARMONY?
Ray is an award-winning music lecturer and the author of the critically-acclaimed book series, Hack Music Theory. After decades of teaching ‘popular’ and ‘classical’ music theory, Ray created a unique crossover method for songwriting, which we call Hack Music Theory. We use this method to write all our music. Ray’s songs have even featured Serj Tankian (System of a Down), Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), Kool Keith, and many more.
►Download free music by Ray:
RevolutionHarmony.com/Ray
►Follow Ray on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/artist/4eIz4...
Who is KATE HARMONY?
Kate is the only person on the planet who's been trained by Ray Harmony to teach his Hack Music Theory method. From 2014 to 2016, she undertook her formal teacher training, and has since become a partner and co-teacher at Hack Music Theory. Kate has a Grade 8 (the highest grade) Distinction in Popular Music Theory from the London College of Music, and is also a songwriter, producer, and recording artist.
►Download free music by Kate:
RevolutionHarmony.com/Kate
►Follow Kate on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/artist/3cMx4...
Music by Revolution Harmony
(c) 2018 Revolution Harmony

[@HackMusicTheory]

►FREE BOOK: HackMusicTheory.com/Books​

[@francissreckofabian01]

I don't recall my school music teacher giving us such fascinating lessons. If you two had been my teachers I'd be an expert (forget the fact that your combined ages would not reach my age).

[@SweetSteve16]

I have never seen such a simple approach at building chords..You guys are Godsent.. I have tried these hacks and INSTANTLY felt inspired! Bravo yet again.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww Stephen, it's our pleasure! We're so pleased that you're soaking in the hacks :) How's the Apprenticeship going? It's great that you've joined us in the Network, yay! We hope you have an awesome week! Kate :)

[@themac3988]

The best video for chords progs esp for beginners

[@LLAWREN]

this is probably my most favourite video on KZbin since I started producing. you guys are personified enlightenment! :)

[@Allplussomeminus]

0:28 Holy dang. The track playing in the background... The bass is kinda hard to follow on it's own, but when against all the other elements in the complete song, it sounds VERY GOOD... The way it wraps up each bar sounds so... Musically Interesting... Of course, with that characteristic falling ahead, hurried feeling of a polymeter.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aw thanks for your kind words, and thanks also for stopping by and connecting! Welcome to the Hack Music Theory community, EksSquared, we're grateful to have you here :)

[@illicitgraphics1]

I learned so much from this last three videos already. Thanks.

[@Gregorovitch144]

These vids are not hacks, they are things of wondrous beauty. Fabulous stuff.

[@rodneyontube]

You both have nailed pretty well! Cheers! Wow!

[@healumuz]

u two are like the angels of heavy metal education world

[@garethmillers5453]

The best one I've seen so far. Thank you.

[@vishalshelke7540]

Amazing as always, very practical and what the current production needs

[@LLAWREN]

I'm so grateful I came across this channel! Thank you so much for the quick, yet profound, tutorials and keep up the positive energy - your attitude and smiles go a long way :)

[@PhilippeBlancR5]

Awesome tips . Thank you !!

[@newsomething8682]

Beautiful! THX!

[@juliansolo1825]

Many concepts simply explained. Awesome!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey hey Julian, lovely to see you again, hope all's great your side! Happy to see you diggin' into our past vids :)

[@benasaro1043]

So much great content here!

[@HAZARDOUS88]

Thank you very much, you guys are so awesome.

[@SlothKami_]

Y'all are some lifesavers. Excellent content and very knowledgeable, Subscribed!

[@BillGraper]

SUBSCRIBED!!! I absolutely love your videos on chord progressions & melodies!!! :)

[@santoss.8150]

I love the way you teach on this channel, thanx for doing what you do. That song at the beginning is gorgeous

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aw thank you for your kind words, Santos, we're stoked to hear our teachings resonate with you! Welcome to the Hack Music Theory community, we're super grateful to have you here :)

[@ModernResilience]

haha I'm dying at the composing / dancing and lip syncing during these examples lol. Thanks for the tips!

[@SempiternamentePisa]

omg.. the way you build chord seems to me so smooth and natural... may I say i'm a bit envy of you? (in a positive sense of course) keep it going ... i love this channel! hugs

[@Flamerboyy]

Good Job. Great Couple !

[@NeilKilroy]

You guys are amazing. I have been searching high and low for none boring explanations of theory. You guys hit the spot. Thank you so much .

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey hey thanks for watching and connecting, Tranceport Destination! We're super happy to hear that our hacks are hitting the spot! Welcome to the Hack Music Theory revolution and until next time, take care and happy music making! Kate :)

[@WhereAreTheGods]

I love how you use a DAW. Makes it so much more relatable to FL Studio users. Love the hacks...so good

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey hey David, happy to hear you're enjoying our approach to music theory! On that note, what kind of music do you make? Thanks big time for watching and taking the time to connect. Until next time, take care :)

[@WhereAreTheGods]

@@HackMusicTheory I make EBM synthpop with a hint of industrial. Working on getting my new 4 song ep recorded and starting the next project. Never ends. That's why I love your fresh take hacks. Keeps the gears spinning.

[@Chadosaaan]

Awesome! I like the looming tone above everything. Pretty cool. I've been trying to keep up with all of the content, but you guys are machines. lol The "master plan" is coming along step by step, by the way. As with any master plan, there are many hurdles, but everything is moving in a positive direction. Take care, guys!

[@vincentworsfold2378]

Super cool Thanks :)

[@noslowerdna]

Magical.

[@menacerisamir198]

when i was in the conservatory of music ,i decided to learn the book of harmony made by Rimski-Kórsakov​ .and mostly i used to play the examples that was wrong to play ,and i got good results with it ...if it sound good to my ears it is great and i do not even care if the listener like it or not.thanks for your video you are really great to share to others your knowleges.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi Menaceri! Thanks for sharing, and as always, we really appreciate you watching :) We hope you're having a lovely week and finding time to make music! Until next time, take care :)

[@menacerisamir198]

thanks a lot for your reply,now i am learning the reason 10 ,in 2001 i buy the first version .and for 129 bucks they give me the total set.good deal to me.i give you a link to listen my music.it is from 1987 .kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4nJnYKLibageLc and undergroovemusic.net/some-great-mexican-electronic-albums-1980-2005/ and by the way it is an automate who play that is why it sound like that.

[@steveputs2322]

This is absolutely brilliant.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww thanks Steve! Hope you're finding time to use these hacks in your own music. You make dubstep, right?

[@fluctura]

wow, I put together 3 great chord progression in 1 hour by applying all the tricks in a creative way. Awesome!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey, kyr0, I've been meaning to get back to you :) We're super happy to hear that our hacks are helping you make music, yay! Thanks so much watching and connecting, we're pumped to welcome you into our Hack Music Theory revolution! Happy music making, Kate :)

[@CesarDMarin]

So awesome! Thank you. I love your singing by the way 😂!

[@dappermaverick]

im currently making instrumental songs for a indie videogame I plan on making by myself, and even though i've only watch maybe a LOT less than half of your videos on composing music, it's helped me inexplicably! and on top of that, I'm not too familiar with stuff like chords and music terms and stuff like that, I just do whatever sounds right :p

[@eldjswett]

You guys are pretty awesome

[@SimonasB]

amazing

[@Aperson-gt9xd]

Haven't been able to watch for a while, so I'm just catching up on uploads now. I'll try to comment on the next videos :)

[@unluckypanda5448]

Woah thos video is epic. I never knew how to glue the first and last notes together in fl studio, i'll have to look it up i guess

[@chickenmadness1732]

soooooooo good

[@danielkisel5661]

You got me, this is really powerful, can't wait for lead melody hacks ! Liked and Subscribed...

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey Daniel! Thanks for watching, connecting and subscribing! We're really happy to hear that you found our hacks helpful :) Here's the link to the melody hacks video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pauuf3mio9Zlo6c. Until next time, have a great week and happy songwriting! Kate :)

[@Tk5869]

Kate so cute at the end playbacking the choir. haha. Great guys. Thank you :-D

[@HackMusicTheory]

Happy New Year Empire supporter! We're super glad to have you here with us on this Hack Music Theory revolution and always appreciate your kind words! What kind of music do you make? Kate :)

[@southpoundham]

When I'm high I like to look at the person not talking and just smiling between the lines. Cheers great vid

[@johnghadimi]

Awesome video as always. Love these. Own both your PDFs and I use it as my nightly read before bed. Subliminal hacking of my brain. :) Question about the pedal note. Can that idea be used as an arp line or bassline as well?

[@capebaldy1769]

Useful video thanks

[@HackMusicTheory]

We're really happy you enjoyed our video, Murat! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, we're deeply grateful to you. Until next time, happy songwriting! Kate :)

[@Politikra-]

BETTER BETTER BETTERRR U ARE MY FAVORITE FAMILY GOD SAVE U LOVEEEE FROM TURKEY

[@janisberzins2703]

I did not know that you can melt chords so effectivelly, that it sounds supersmooth. From one point its common sense, because I unintentionally was doing that on my acoustic guitar, but never thought you can do the same thing with midi editing. Oh, and now I see how sus chords are useful. Going to use them more. Thank You for amazing lesson! I was thinking about getting a book about composition, but You offer free E-Book. Thats supercool! ^^

[@HackMusicTheory]

Yay, so glad you found this one helpful :) Yes, the free book provides readers with a foundation level of music theory and our Songwriting & Producing PDF has a wealth of composition hacks including how to write chord progressions, bass lines, synth riffs, etc. You will gain access to both Hack Music Theory, Part 1 and the Songwriting & Producing PDF when you sign up for Apprenticeship #2 next month!! Kate :)

[@AkaTengu]

Love your videos but this one, wow. Game changer! Do you have any hacks to apply to keys or guitar directly? It seems many times in your hacks the beauty and subtlety is just adjacent to where you're already at.

[@RudalPL]

Ok, I like that melody hack with sus chords. You got yourself a new sub. ;)

[@HackMusicTheory]

Thanks Rudal, and a warm welcome to our Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@RudalPL]

@@HackMusicTheory I'm a drummer and I'm ears deep in Metal but recently started to learn music theory and want to try my luck with orchestral scoring. ;)

[@burninhotell]

Hey, great video as always! I was just wondering if you could make a hack video or series on collaborating with other songwriters. The reason I ask is since I am in a band. I am the vocalist, but I also write some of the songs. Do you have any tips on maintaining a proper dialogue, and making sure noone feel like their toes have been stepped on?

[@macameo8841]

thank you

[@HackMusicTheory]

Oh my goodness, I love that picture of your puppy!! What's his/her name? Thanks for stopping by, hE4DphON3, we hope this finds you happy and healthy :) Kate

[@sdjtlch]

Not first but still here! Nice vid! 😄

[@robcerasuolo9207]

Hello again! As always, nice job demoing how to make the chords work. You used the word "flow;" that's the word I use for making chord progressions work. I think it's critical, but very few people I've spoken to about it ever seemed to understand. Watching this video made me wonder about something. Do y'all have a video on chord subs, or is that one of the advanced hacks? I'm only asking cuz I'd love to see y'all work with them. I've actually not thought of sus chords exactly the same way as you're using them, so it's interesting to me. I tend to use sus chords a little differently (usually when I want an ambiguous sound, and/or when I want the melody to carry the M3/m3 sound against a sus4 or sus2). I do these two things AND something similar to your sus chord technique with subs. So, basically, you might say that I'd like to see how you'd specifically use "a sub instead of a sus"--LOL! I'm sure you'll blow some minds with something like that. :D

[@kibavlood5826]

Great video as always, Thank you. I must add however i couldn't help but to notice Ms.Harmony looks at times like Natalie Dormer, especially when she smiles. Once again thanks you guys. You guys are saving the world with your content....

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey it's great to hear from you again kiba vlood! Thank you for your kind compliment, it's funny because we're just watching her in the Sherlock Holmes show "Elemental" :) Anyway, we're super pumped to welcome you into our Hack Music Theory revolution! By the way, what kind of music do you make and where are you based? Until next time, have a great weekend! Kate :)

[@kibavlood5826]

What music its obvious..AHEM..YNGWIE MALMSTEEEEN SHREEEEEED ;D You're welcome, i am currently searching for a job which is challenging but already made up my mind to purchase anything you guys are offering, so are there packages? like Lesson bundles? You know Writing those amazing lead lines is satisfying but Harmony will always be my mistress, there is so much in harmony that is liberating, currently listening non stop to Bill Evans... You too and thank you once again for your content, P.S HARMONY Master Race....

[@Zetsuke4]

Please more videos

[@endpace]

Thanks for the video🙂

[@HackMusicTheory]

Our pleasure, EndPace!! Have a fantastic week, we're sending you good vibe :)

[@endpace]

@@HackMusicTheory I hope you are having wonderful week too :)

[@michaellewis246]

This is great stuff! Love you two! Question. I can see how this would work for virtual instruments, but I write music for my band and don’t see how this would translate to a live guitar. Perhaps my inexperience is showing! Any insight would be much appreciated.

[@sdjtlch]

Guys! I just got the first print of my single's mix like 10 minutes ago! It's sounding amazing! (Please use kates voice on the "amazing") I'll release the song on Sunday 28th :D I'm so excited, plus we did body paint for the art and it looks fabulous

[@jessehaetta7538]

Fire

[@HackMusicTheory]

Thanks, Jesse!! Have a great weekend :)

[@jasonorlando9799]

Great work guys! Love you so much. What software are you using to compose?

[@HackMusicTheory]

You're very kind, Jason! Thanks so much for watching and connecting, we're happy to hear you're enjoying our videos! We use Reaper and are big fans of the software. Take care and we hope to hear from you again. Happy music making, Kate :)

[@Zetsuke4]

Can you make videos for if I have a rhythmic and melodic vocals and I want to write a chord progression for my vocals?

[@omarz7301]

Hi Kate and Ray! First of all, thank you for sharing your knowledge! I already purchased the songwriting & producing pdf, which has helped me a lot! I have a question about using syncopation on chord progressions that are 8 bars long. As a Trance trance producer, I usually prefer to make longer chords, for example 4 chords in a 8 bar loop, because the music that I make is usually around 140bpm. However, I find applying syncopation quite difficult for slightly longer chords. Do you have any tips on how to apply syncopation on chords that are 2 bars long? Also, is your apprenticeship course applicable for trance music?

[@crossmusic4967]

clutch video

[@edwardtaylor9387]

Thanks for the great video, just one bit I didn't get. When you joined the notes in 5, I couldn't work out what exactly you were doing. You say to join 'notes of the same pitch' but you seemed to highlight pairs of notes of different pitch but then not do anything else. What is happening here?

[@mathieulapointe38]

Hello, i have a question about chords progressions. What is the effect of palm muted E in heavy metal/punk songs? + Power chord without 3rd im lost :(

[@PhilippeBlancR5]

Band of Tea addict !!

[@marcoslopes8961]

Great video!! Btw, wich software are you using to mimic the keypad?

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi Marcos, thanks so much for watching and connecting! We use Reaper and are big fans of the software and the company for so many reasons! They give you a free 60-day trial of the full program and it's relatively inexpensive to buy at US$60. You can check it out here: www.reaper.fm. Take care and we hope to hear from you again. Happy Songwriting! Kate :)

[@MikeManaMusic]

Hey Patreons whats up? :D Nice video for Sunday evening, yeah :)

[@Esa.personal]

Easy to understand . THanks >>>> Keep hacking..

[@orionadamson4891]

Aloha guys 🤙🏽 Let’s assume I know absolutely nothing about music theory. In what order would you suggest viewers watch your videos/ playlists?

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey Orion, thanks so much for watching and connecting! That's a great question too! If you haven't already, I would suggest that you check out our free music theory book, '12 Music Theory Hacks to Learn Scales and Chords'? It will give you a solid music theory foundation from which to build, and it's a super fast and fun read. You can download from our website: RevolutionHarmony.com/Books. Next, I would suggest watching our "How to Write a Catchy Chorus" playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLgYcaQlDpHN5GZwnfDVwRmx-WHhJvdtMf Let me know how you get on with that, and until next time, take care and happy songwriting! Kate :)

[@grafs1]

Great and useful! Thanks! But first... a beer.

[@jrgnsscmn]

I'm curious if anyone here has tried using the pedal root on modes other than the Aeolian or Ionian modes and whether it helps to solidify that mode's sound/ feel?

[@HackMusicTheory]

It sure does, Jay! Thanks for stopping by, and welcome to our Hack Music Theory community, we're super stoked to have you here, and we hope to see you again soon. On that note, we publish a new video every Saturday, and our new one just went up an hour ago! It's a powerful hack for writing catchy melodies, so if that's something you need help with, here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmGkaY1mZ7qIhbs

[@BruceDoesStuff]

What midi software do you use? It looks SO much easier than anything I have in my studio!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi Bruce, thanks so much for watching and connecting! We use Reaper and are big fans of the software and the company for so many reasons! They give you a free 60-day trial of the full program and it's relatively inexpensive to buy at US$60. You can check it out here: www.reaper.fm. Take care and we hope to hear from you again. Happy Songwriting! Kate :)

[@DJayDNA]

When using inversions, does the bassline still follow the root note of the chord even if it's not the "lowest" note in the chord anymore?

[@HackMusicTheory]

Bass lines should never only follow the root notes of chords, cos that's boring! Check out this video to learn how to write great bass lines: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5u2YYmfqttoock Hope that helps, and thanks for being here in the Hack Music Theory community, we appreciate you :)

[@Pewtah]

Fine video! I just did not get the sense of the pedal note. Why a pedal note, why so long and why that pitch?

[@ekksprmnt626]

What software are you using for music writing/producing?

[@virtualplaying]

They are using Reaper

[@XXmatt18XX]

Shoutout C Flat

[@TrueGritProductions]

Will you name your children Melody and Polly Rhythm? Also, Bone Thugs'n would be great too

[@HackMusicTheory]

Lol, perhaps! We have an apprentice that named his kid Chord :)

[@johnhazlett3347]

But for me first, COFFEE!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Lol, thanks so much for stopping by John, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@johnhazlett3347]

@@HackMusicTheory Thanx for the response! I really haven't decided which path to follow per se. So I just compose what I'm feeling at the moment. This one's a bit new age, kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4KlaZWNebuVm8k But right now I'm working on a classical style, chamber music with harpsichord.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Thanks for sharing, John! We absolutely encourage music makers to explore different genres as it helps with inspiration and creativity! We did a video that might spark some thoughts, called "The Truth About Genres": kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6OYmoqoi66LZsU. We really appreciate you being here, and are cheering you on in your music making journey! Have a great week :)

[@davestr2046]

Hello. You excellent people still doing your tutorials? Just that I have nothing in my inbox for a while :-(

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey Kyrix, great to hear from you! We send out a newsletter every week with early access to our KZbin videos, in fact we just sent one out! You can sign up here: RevolutionHarmony.com/Contact. Or you can subscribe and hit the bell icon to get notifications when we publish our videos every Monday! Take care, Kate :)

[@Aperson-gt9xd]

Do you guys have any tips for choosing chords for a progression (like if you wanted to create an original chord progression) which will sound interesting? If you already have a video on it could you by any chance give me the link?

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey A person, great to hear from you and happy new year!! That's an awesome question since we're all about making original and interesting chord progressions :) You can check out the "Hack Chords" playlist which has all our chords videos in one place (kzbin.info/aero/PLgYcaQlDpHN4YNVK2IwVEhYckq5vbu_ET). I would also suggest watching this series, "How to Write Great Songs", as the videos are longer and more in-depth (kzbin.info/aero/PLgYcaQlDpHN5Poc5pUuvFlb7dqaJ37AFw). The song in those videos is the song we'll be teaching on KZbin next month as well, so watching the playlist will provide good backstory, in addition to being super helpful :) Let me know how you get along with your chord progression! By the way, how was band camp? Kate :)

[@HackMusicTheory]

I just remembered you can watch this "How to Make a Chord Progression" playlist (kzbin.info/aero/PLgYcaQlDpHN7nQFvGAy6KP8sRALVkG_QB&disable_polymer=true) It's super punchy video and if you follow along you'll have a great chord progression! Kate :)

[@Aperson-gt9xd]

Hack Music Theory thanks, I'll check out the videos. Band camp was good, thanks :)

[@HackMusicTheory]

Awesome! Glad to hear it :)

[@AliceMinguez]

I literally take notes on these videos lol

[@HackMusicTheory]

That's awesome Alice, we love it!! Thanks for being a part of our community, and we hope to hear from you again :) Until next time, take care and happy songwriting! Kate :)

[@dgnwallz2]

so this is 6/8?

[@TheMusicFactory_Channel]

Hey Ray and Kate, I love you videos there very good. I have a friend that designed a T-shirt that says “everything is better after tea” I know how much you two love tea I thought I will tell you so just maybe you may check it out. The website is williamaclothingshop.com check it out it is nice. Also did I tell you how much I love your videos