5 Out-of-the-Ordinary Chord Progressions for Songwriters (easy to hard)

[@peterthart531]

That half diminished shape is a keeper-use it all the time. It's really great arpeggiated in a blues or jazz run.

[@CamF72790]

YES! Or as a passing through chord, for example in just a two chord progression. When I play the classic song Horse with No Name, I usually slide in a B half dim between E minor and D/F#, sounds fucking rad by the way

[@garymulter1571]

This is a fabulous demonstration and lesson. I hope you do more like this.

[@youarenotaghost2589]

What a stupendous presentation! I was just thinking about putting together a progression that doesn't include the tonic, and here it is. I'm excited to explore the rest of your channel. Thank you!

[@diegovillaverde8010]

I loved your “ forget about where this orange came from and focus on how much juice you can squeeze from it” approach ❤

[@htws]

😊 normally my line is, “you don’t need to grow the rice to cook it in 10 minutes”!

[@diegovillaverde8010]

In the end it’s all about food 😂

[@wdm5000]

Thanks!

[@lipei1]

I not only like the progressions but perhaps even more your elaborations! Thank you

[@nicoCdandelion]

Just... Thank you! I happened across your video early this AM, and my guitar decided to write some music. Of late, it had gotten bored with me, and our time together had become routine. You brought sparks back to our relationship. Thank you!!

[@Murdo2112]

One of my favourite out-of-the-ordinary chords is in Nick Drake's "Saturday Sun". It goes down a fairly straightforward, but very pleasant progression, with a nice descending bass, through C, G/B, Am, C/G and then throws in a gorgeous F#dim7 that never fails to make me go "oof!" He slips it in beautifully again later, in what I suppose you could call the chorus, going from F to F#dim7, which really piles on the tension, before easing into a lovely conclusion with C, A, Dm7, G, C. It's so good!

[@htws]

I'll check it out!

[@barrya.6212]

@@htws Your husband's a lucky guy...you have it all, just wanted to pass on.Also, thanks for sharing that Fm6 chord, wasn't even aware of that, just worked it into very melodic melody with Travis picking.

[@mendiapodaca]

Yeah. That's a great song, indeed. I know what you mean with THAT chord.

[@CamF72790]

Oh man Nick Drake is/was AMAZING. Didn't he tune his guitar to like Csus?

[@bearcountrypublishing5303]

F# and C are tritones to one another.

[@miguelcesaroliveira3448]

Great progressions for looping away calling melodies out of thin air, thanks!

[@gage816]

Really like that transition from the diminished chord to the fourth major 7chord on that last progression.

[@suefauziyah]

This is my new favorite channel. I've been watching a bunch of your videos on lyric-writing and I'm learning so much. This video (the first I'm watching that's not about lyrics) is just as interesting and helpful as the others. I don't play guitar, but it's very clear how to transfer the chords to piano. Thank you for all this great content!

[@TimmyRiordan]

Like that visual making the ii V smaller in relation to the rest of the progression to show it's outside the key. Very intuitive for me.

[@blackplague-x3y]

I like her style of teaching-very matter of fact and snarky fun.

[@WEdHarris]

What a wonderful lesson! Thanks so much for this! Liked and Subbed!

[@splukoes]

I love teachers like you. How to do it and just enough of why it works.

[@joebarker5719]

Exceptional! Your video got my 6-string sounding completely fresh and new! So easy to process and follow - you have a real gift for teaching. Thank you, Keppie!

[@mcmc5335]

Keppie, you are an excellent teacher and these are great chord progressions. I'll be re-watching, pausing and adding these to my chord vocabulary. Thank you!

[@scottstevens5481]

This is so brilliant!! Getting Diatonic theory under my belt was life changing for me… Your approach is perfect for opening new ways of thinking and “hearing” new song ideas! ❤️❤️❤️ Love this!!! Thank you 🙏🏻!!!

[@blockacademymusic7062]

Awesome Keppie! Its good to see you out here!

[@Tiffers963Hz]

Fab lesson. You're a great player and a great teacher. Blessings in abundance to you. 🙏🏽🌹

[@GorkaLlatzer]

First of all, let me tell you something...I LOVE YOU. This lesson is PURE GOLD. Those progressions are almost as neautiful as ypur smile..

[@HieronymousCheese]

You could do that all day. Well I could listen to you do that all day. (And play along). Love your vids. Thank you.

[@waheedzaran6475]

Lovely❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Afiplaysmusic]

❤❤ I am so glad I found yr channel.

[@koho]

Just discovered this channel. Great information, tremendously well presented. Love it, and subbed!

[@MicroChipMonk]

Watched this a dozen times and it is rewiring my guitar brain....

[@IAmJNelle]

The second chord progression reminds me of HER “Best Part” 🙌🏽

[@PreferComposingtoDecomposing]

Thank you for your inspiring content. As a composition exercise, I tried writing a piece ("Less Travel'd") that incorporates all five of these exotic chord progressions. Quite an ethereal result!

[@johnmalcolm9980]

If your writing sounds like you are in a rut, you might have a hit!

[@sirfultonbishop]

🤣👍

[@oscarallen8484]

you’re not wrong but it’s risky business - helps to explain why so many people go rapidly downhill after success

[@cactusjohn9145]

😂 anybody serious has to be snotted

[@Yahoomediaclub]

One very talented young lady sharing these. ❤ Thanks 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ozmosyd]

Hmm...10 yrs for me a bit to long though ....🤣

[@darrenlee-ross4432]

Hi Keppie, this is a fantastic video. I bought both of your and your colleague's courses and they were THE BEST. Very inspirational. Thank you :)

[@elizabeth23623]

Thank you so much for your content! It’s wonderful and it inspires me to have curiosity when making my own songs. Thank you!! ❤

[@robhamilton5057]

just found your channel, I've been playing a long time but feel stagnant, there are some lovely chord progressions here, i feel inspired

[@douglaschristine8387]

Hey, how you doing? I haven't seen you since your video on writing a song and its good to see you back. Your videos spark my interest. Thanks.

[@JeffMacArthur]

Nice changes! I think your 4th example is not likely to be analyzed by many people as starting on the vi-minor, though - you've got a V7-i movement from the last chord to the first, so C#m7 is really the i chord (especially given how common - by including the chord before it - a bVImaj7 V7 i progression is). Not as clear, but I'd also agree with another commenter that the 2nd progression is probably best looked at as V - ii7 - I - I. It could also be useful to describe why these changes work - for example, the 1st example is really all about the following note movement C -> D7 (keeps c in chord and moves the 5th of C - g - down to the 3rd of D7 - f#) then D7 -> F (keeps c in chord, keeps a in chord, and moves the 3rd of the D7 - f# - down to the root of F - f) then F -> Fm6 (keeps c in chord, keeps f in chord, moves 3rd of F - a - down to 3rd of Fm6 - ab) and then back around Fm6 -> C (keeps c in chord, moves 3rd of Fm6 - ab - down to 5th of C - g - AND moves root of Fm6 - f - down to 3rd of C - e). Very strong voice movement of g->f#->f->(->f)->e and, starting on D7, a->(->a)->ab->g (and then back down the g->f#->f->e). Anyway, thanks very much!

[@mahoney43211]

really appreciate this. Having a ball with these progressions.

[@colindeer9657]

Your are so inspiring, very natural and relatable. Great teaching technique. Love it. Many thanks . Very helpful. Cheers Colin

[@francocasentieri932]

You are Intergalactic a Prophet of a kind...never knew the simplicity of the chords. I think I you

[@dougstewart6581]

this is great! i was looking for inspiration and here it was! that 2nd mixolydian one sparked something and a song is on its way! thank you!!!

[@hasanmir]

I loved the first and last chord progressions!

[@ozmosyd]

OMG - 7mth old vid came into my feed at exactly the right time for me as I was geting really bored being "stuck" in key of C. Where have you been all my life? Thanks for sharing and getting me out of the "rut" Love ya work, I'm going to go thorough what else I have missed from you channel and needless to say I have sub'd -OneLove

[@BorealBlue]

Your ability to teach is exceptional. Thank you.

[@terilamarco515]

Great! Would love to see more interesting progressions!

[@greggrodzicki6146]

Absolutely loved this lesson and the theory thrown in behind it.

[@MarkRhodesSongs]

Very useful lesson. Thanks. I love to run across ideas (progressions, in this case) that I hadn't used or thought of and seeing if I can turn them into songs (or parts of songs). I like your open, generous spirit. Just subscribed to your Patreon page.

[@dfnymusic3396]

Great video. I keep looking at your fretboard and like how is she playing that chord there and then realizing that your fret dots are in some unorthodox places! Hahaha

[@lisaquam5537]

I love this video! Thank you for taking the time to make it!!!

[@marcsullivan7987]

The second progression IS in key: It’s D Mixolydian. All the chords are from the “parent key” of G major.

[@realrael3550]

smartass

[@marcsullivan7987]

@@airborn1015 all I was clarifying was all the chords are diatonic (because the video implied that the chords weren’t all in a key signature), all share the notes of “G major”, which are the same notes as D mixo I know that Amy knows this, but I commented bc I thought it could possibly confuse some viewers

[@marcsullivan7987]

@@airborn1015 our “disagreement” may be ultimately semantics/terminology, but I’m definitely not incorrect. I’ll clarify again. The three chords, D, Am7, G are not “in the key of D major” they all ARE in the key of G major. The Key Signature that would be written on sheet music for this would be G major (one sharp, f#), not the key of D major (two sharps, f#, c#) So, the parent key/key signature is G major. But if the tonic/1 chord is then D (which is the V of G) then it’s the fifth mode of G major, the mixolydian mode, D Mixolydian. Not “D major”, (bc D major has a C#, and the Am7 chord has a C natural). In the mixolydian mode, the V chord is minor. If one were to solo over that progression, one would use D mixolydian (enharmonically identical to G major). If one used “D major” it would really wrong on the Am7, because you would be playing the major third of the chord instead of the minor third that the chord has) A correct understanding of music theory IS useful, but not always necessary.

[@marcsullivan7987]

@@airborn1015 that progression is on D mixolydian. There was never an A major chord. The PARENT key is G major. The tonic is D. The progression is “In D” but it’s not “D major”. A “borrowed” chord comes from outside a diatonic key center, all three chords are IN the diatonic key center of D mixo/(G major). I’m not gonna explain it any more. I’m pretty knowledgeable about this shit. I studied it as a teenager in the 1980s, further studied in college, and taught guitar privately for 7 years (before becoming and English teacher). I’ve been a performing musician on the side for 35 years. I politely tried to clarify something (for general readers of the comments), but you persist in “correcting” me. I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m done responding. You win. Have a nice day.

[@johanjotun1647]

The Modal Monster bares its toothy grin

[@tay590]

Awesome video! A really nice little modification/add-on for number 4 is to sub a C#maj7 in for the C#m7 every so often! Delightful little modal surprise.

[@stevehalper510]

First time seeing one of her videos. Well presented and good personality!

[@michaelpimenteljr3530]

I am so happy I found this channel. so amazing! That 251 turn around tho!

[@sgrimm7346]

Good stuff...life long learner here, and there's always something to learn. Thank you.

[@onlysons]

Nice presentation.

[@SillyMoustache]

Thank you Keppie, you are an inspiration!

[@robertwynkoop7112]

I am really enjoying your channel, such wonderful progressions! I will be recommending your stuff to our local songwriter group. I am sure it will be well received! Thank you, what you do matters.

[@johnnyblue1101]

Solid gold theory You GO girl!

[@mitchtheneedle]

Seriously outstanding video! Love the way you continually remind viewers with less theory background that they don't have to understand all the theory of "why" those chords work together... they can use them in writing beautiful, interesting songs right out of the gate. I also liked that you played each progression first, and then talked about the chords. Since I know all the theory, I closed my eyes and used it as a ear test for myself... I was able to identify all the chords by ear, up until the very last two chords of progression #5... the bVImaj7, bVIImaj7--you got me with those. 😀 By the way, I really appreciate your friendly, easy-going delivery in this and all your videos. Very enjoyable to listen to. --Jer of the band Mitch the Needle

[@oldmanzen6682]

This was fantastic. I’m not a songwriter, but I’m always looking for interesting chord progressions for loops. Subbed and will be digging through your back catalogue of videos now. Thanks!

[@miketayse]

Always nice to try new chord progressions, thanks! I'm going to go try them tonight.

[@johnmccarthy5245]

Very very cool. Informative. Fresh. Different. Thank you so much!!!

[@ProgRockDan1]

Thank you I sometimes switch keys for the chorus but I have rarely gone outside the key within a verse. These are so helpful

[@Birkguitars]

Here are a couple of out of sequence changes that I like. Quite a few Eagles songs step from a major chord straight to the corresponding minor triad eg Desperado where there is a step from C major to C minor. Technically it might be a modulation but it sounds good. Another change I like is in When You're Gone. Most of it cycles around Dm F C and G but an occasional Bb appears almost as a turnaround.

[@robwebb9413]

I am so grateful for the content and genuinely helpful videos you produce. You do a great job of packing in a lot of information in your videos without it feeling overwhelming. Most of all, they are always practical. And for that, there will be a piece of you in a LOT of people's music. BAM 💥❤

[@andrewalvarez1480]

im so happy i found this channel

[@gakind]

your videos are awesome. Even if I haven't used any of these progressions yet the video triggered some thoughts and I discovered a new progression that I just used on an old unfinished song,

[@thcjamzcryptoonyoutubetv7062]

I sure appreciated you .. explaining the endless creations .. I'm caught in a rut .. wow the guitar is my therapy I've always been left out in this Right handed world 🌎 I'm Hendrix .. Haynes I miss Jimmy .... I have not explored these cord progressions ever .. thank you for opening up the door to my mind ... Never ending Love for Music I know I am not left out in this world on my right hand ... It's just that everything is backwards ... Lol 😂 It's time to study and connect all the dots ... thank you again 🎼🎶🎵 Troy from Canyon Lake Texas USA 🇺🇸

[@Beatedelic_Records]

Als ein großer Fan von melodiösen Akkordfolgen, muß ich sagen, dass dies ein sehr tolles Video ist 😊

[@Jay-H8ALL]

Some awesome chord shapes here. Thanks.

[@jarrodmurphy6037]

these are all going to become new songs of mine!!!! :) thankyou

[@shannonjones3714]

Awesome video! Great rut buster! Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@pferrer90]

Excellent video, thanks so much for sharing the knowledge... I am still learning after many years of playing. Many blessings to you

[@DrGray-qh6ow]

Always a pleasure learning from you! Thank you

[@Rich-NH]

Exaclty what I needed, thanks!

[@glenbuxton8143]

What a great lesson. I immediately made my playing less boring. Thanks!

[@stevyreno7913]

Best songwriting video ever!!!

[@Photography-Niseko]

Love your lessons - so inspirational! Thanks so much ; )

[@RealAadip]

These are tricks you hear a lot in Sondre Lerche’s music, which I looooove.

[@simonpratley3301]

Thanks Keppie, I love how you exlained this. I love your guitar playing too. So glad I found your channel!

[@Zsigmund]

Wow, i just found your channel, you are so talented. thanks for the great lesson!

[@derbjornmachtdiemusik23]

4:05 yeah! I minor Vth always sounds cool and a bit like summer evening... and promising :) - "Cloudy Day" uses this :)

[@stevesobot5372]

loved the third one :) Thank you.

[@Snarkapotamus]

I've used #5 a few times...sounds really cool on a piano!

[@RKK108]

Amazing hints! Many thanks!

[@chrismaghintay]

This is right at the level of theory I currently understand. So helpful!

[@stevedmayor]

Chord Progression No 4 is actually used for the song "Sunny". I love it!

[@pedrobutelli8431]

"Tive Razão" by Seu Jorge, too

[@aaalimat]

You are a 'Ghoul'!!! Thank you soooooo much!!!!

[@MrDarktunes]

Lovely progressions. I'm working on extra dominant chords for the targetchord. Like in People get ready : D Bm7 G D it becomes : D Gb7 Bm7 D7 G A7 D A7 A gospel trick 😉

[@Acousticeg]

I just stumbled onto your channel...Great stuff. Thanks for sharing.

[@stonemedicine]

Loved this lesson. Thank you!

[@jrod8332]

Excellent tutorial, thank you very much!

[@leonadrian7257]

Me, fast forwarding past all the talking and just watching her play the progressions lol Great video. Downloaded the pdf. Liked vid. Ty.

[@atzgoblastbotzo]

Beautiful progressions, advanced theory and clear explanations make this video really awesome ! A great lesson - for free! 😮 I love it !

[@jonathanlemtur4199]

Helpful.... Like your explanation 👍🏼

[@alicejohnmusic]

loving the latest videos of you guys, super useful. amazing channel 🙏

[@lmajorofficial8426]

Such a great theory lesson! Subscribed 🙂

[@michaelchandler2674]

Really good video! Super helpful for doing exactly what you've laid out--getting out of a rut.

[@Murdo2112]

So glad to have stumbled across your channel. I'm definitely going to be trying some of these out. Really useful progressions, beautiful too, not to mention really nicely explained.

[@jixal]

That was great, really presented, thanks!!

[@BobMcGowan-NotTheChairCircle]

My all-time favourite was just known as the Jazz Turnaround when I started in a band. It is (in C) C- A7 - D7- G7. I suppose that is a bit ordinary. by these standards, but it still gives me the chills when I hear it. It is the happiest of sounds. Love, light and peace, Bob McGowan (Not the Chair Circle!).

[@dieseldes1301]

This is blummin amazing !love it and subbed .I get the feeling I’m on another guitar learning curve .thanks keppie 🙏

[@derbjornmachtdiemusik23]

What an awesome video. Thank you!

[@pmicygie]

simply awesome :) many thanx, LOVE 2U