How to Write a Hook - Chord Progression Theory for a Catchy Pop Song Chorus

Learn how to write a chord progression for a catchy chorus, using these 5 game-changing music theory hacks!
►Free eBook: HackMusicTheory.com/Books
►Online Course: HackMusicTheory.com/Apprentic...
►Songwriting & Producing PDF: HackMusicTheory.com/Bestsellers
Using modes and catchy chords you can write a hook which results in a mega memorable chorus chord progression for your song. This example is in the Dorian mode, but these chord progression 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 hook, then use these 5 songwriting hacks and music hacks to produce and write a hit song that's contagiously catchy. But first (before you write a hook)... tea!
0:00 Intro
2:26 Hack 1 - Modes
4:19 Hack 2 - Uplifting Major Chords
6:39 Hack 3 - Smooth Chord Changes
9:50 Hack 4 - Chord Characteristics
13:18 Hack 5 - Syncopated Symmetry
16:14 Final Example (Music)
♫ Watch this Hack Music Theory playlist to see how we wrote "I is Love for You": • Playlist
♫ Listen to our single "I is Love for You" on KZbin ♫
• Revolution Harmony - I...
ABOUT
Hack Music Theory is the pioneering notation-free method for making great music. Taught by award-winning music lecturer Ray Harmony, and his protégé (and wife) Kate Harmony, from their studio in Vancouver BC, Canada. Ray is the author of critically-acclaimed book series "Hack Music Theory", and has made music with Serj Tankian (System of a Down), Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree), Ihsahn (Emperor), Kool Keith (Ultramagnetic MCs), Madchild (Swollen Members), and many more. Kate has the highest grade distinction in Popular Music Theory from the London College of Music, and is the only person on the planet who's been trained by Ray to teach his Hack Music Theory method!
►Ray Harmony's music: RevolutionHarmony.com/Ray
►Kate Harmony's music: RevolutionHarmony.com/Kate
Music by Revolution Harmony
(c) 2017 Revolution Harmony

[@HackMusicTheory]

FREE PDF "12 Hacks to Learn Scales & Chords" HackMusicTheory.com/Books

[@Dampy.69]

Your tattoos make you look like a tough guy yet your voice makes you seem like an angel. I'm confused.

[@reoakiodesu]

Lol same

[@user-wk2gi5cp9y]

he is a tough angel

[@samadkhafi9211]

Mom: What are you doing, Sam? Me: Learning music from Jason Statham!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Haha, that's awesome! Thanks for watching and connecting Samad! What kind of music do you make?

[@samadkhafi9211]

Hack Music Theory I don't make music. I'm just curious. I listen to all kinds of music. I just want to understand it.

[@crunchedupruffles]

That was the cleanest way I’ve ever been explained what an inversion is. Bless you.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Haha, thanks :) Hope to see you around for more theory hacks, until then, have a wonderful week!

[@yiannidj]

I’m new to music theory and I have been struggling with chord progressions. After watching this video it made so much sense. Thank you

[@patcummins1405]

I'm so calling my kid Asparagus

[@HackMusicTheory]

Haha, that's awesome Patrick...although I'm not sure how the kid will feel... I suppose there are lots of kids called Kale, so why not! Thanks for watching and connecting, we really appreciate it! Until next time, take care and happy songwriting! Kate :)

[@testedalexthegreat1759]

Kale and Paragus, dragon ball saiyan names.

[@spbot2]

@@testedalexthegreat1759 whahahaha damn you are right

[@gauravtejpal8901]

Hahaha ☺☺

[@eunicetorrefiel2864]

I can't lie you're a great teacher

[@HackMusicTheory]

Thank you Eunice, you're very kind :) Have a great weekend!

[@Aperson-gt9xd]

I've never realised how much changing up the chords in a song can impact how interesting it is to listen to. Thank you, this will be really useful!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Exactly, A person! We're so pleased that you found this useful and hopefully you can implement this in your band music :) Have a great weekend and until next week, take care. Kate :)

[@Aperson-gt9xd]

Revolution Harmony I certainly will!

[@marshall7994]

This guy is really sick. I love his passion to music, it's really incredible!

[@michaelkelly6583]

Simply put ... Ray you are a brilliant teacher. Funny and easy to follow and understand. Thank you.

[@hushglowy]

we remember him

[@Jack-tk1is]

He is stunt double of Ryan Reynolds

[@gred808]

One of the better explanations of how, and most importantly, why to use modal tricks in songwriting. All the little tweaks presented in piano roll illuminate the ideas presented quite well. Great work, thanks for sharing!

[@whoreallycares868]

This is amazing. I've been watching videos on songwriting and producing for a while but nobody explained it in such an funny and professional way. I will definitely keep on watching your videos.

[@michaellarsen180]

Can I just say, great video and tips :D I absolutely love the Dorian scale, and have only recently found out how many songs i thought was in minor actually is in dorian. Great trick about erasing all notes that made the song into the "minor feeling", to lighten it up and get that dreamy feel as you mentioned. Thx for the hacks, and have fun writing more songs :)

[@EdokLock]

The more I understand theory, the more I appreciate these videos and everytime I re watch them, I catch a new Idea🌹

[@JeroenvanOlffen]

One of my favorites so far. So many very useful insights. And presented at a bit slower pace than the counterpoint lesson. Cheers!

[@then.o.r.s.scoutsinaustral8738]

I have learned more about music theory in this one tutorial than I had in years of fumbling around in books etc. Thanks so much for your generosity of spirit! Peace

[@jelly8594]

I have listened to your chorus so many times now - and I have to say: *it's getting even better and better!* combined with seeing ray raving to it, *I'm getting goosebumps!* Big thumbs up for a smashing chorus! Outstanding work!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Awe Jelly danke, so glad you're enjoying our song! We're excited to publish the next couple of videos that focus on the chorus guitar and chorus bass, so listeners will really be able to have a full appreciation for every element of the chorus. Hope you're having a great week! Kate :)

[@philsvideomaking839]

Great class. No doubt. You retrieve so much music theory and just Made a very smart use of it. Best, PV

[@lessismore74]

This is just fantastic. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge in a very accessible way.

[@Mr.Batsu12]

I really liked the way you laid out the changes one by one and also did them in the piano roll so it's easier to see those connections between the chords. I really loved the idea of changing the Dm to Dsus2 to help reduce the 'minor vibe' from D Dorian and at the same time give it a unique sound!

[@johnsoltis9696]

Thank you for taking the time to create this video. I look forward to Subscribing and watching the rest of your videos. Thanks again from Georgia, USA

[@tiredatm3009]

I started songwriting about a year ago, and I am very passionate about it. But I know nothing about music theory whatsoever, because school and a lot of music classes simply do not teach me these things. These videos really help with making a beautiful song! Thank you so much.

[@switterbeet]

This was the most informative video ive watched in a long time! How come i never found your channel till now? Its exactly what i need

[@Dan101215]

I’ve watched so many of these types of videos on KZbin but this is the first to deliver it in a simple, coherent way that builds on the foundations and takes your knowledge to a higher and higher level! It’s ironic that your video really does stand out as you were talking about extremes. Thank you for sharing your secretes! Feeling super inspired to make music now 🎹

[@HackMusicTheory]

We're really happy you enjoyed our video, Danny! Thanks for taking the time to watch and connect, it always makes us happy to know that our hacks are helping musicians! Until next time, happy songwriting! Kate :)

[@TigerRogers0660]

I've written lots of my own songs in the past & tried to incorporate different chord progressions - most times they did not work. This tutorial was AMAZING!! Thank you so much for sharing your secrets!! Now i can try some of these ideas. Tiger.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aw thanks for watching and connecting, Tiger, it always makes us happy to know that our hacks are helping musicians! On that note, what kinda music do you make? Kate :)

[@naveedhossain6605]

BRILLIANT! Very well made and explained! Great work!

[@studionylar]

What an amazing video! Straight to the point, well explained, and no jargon! Not exactly the thing I was actually searching for but deffo putting all of this into practice in the studio tommorrow. :) Inspirational juices are coursing through me!

[@juanrojas7505]

Gracias, Ray!! Everytime I watch one episode of your channel I learn something new. Thanks so much.. I m learning music to get out of the matrix.

[@chrislingwood3513]

Incredible video. Really struggling with this sort of stuff but this has clarified a lot. Time for some dedicated practice. Thanks guys!

[@lawlietnao_music]

omg this is one of the most useful tutorials I've ever seen!! I've leanrt so much from you! thanks!

[@Visual1455]

This video is absolutely amazing! unbelievable that this content is out here for free! And also outstanding presentation of you both!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Sooooo happy you're diggin' our videos, Jimmy, thank you kindly for taking the time to watch and for your kind words, we are deeply grateful to you! Take care and until next time, happy songwriting! Kate :)

[@jojimerc7396]

Hack Music Theory What software are you using with all of your videos. I want to buy books from your site but I can't decide what books of yours will matter for me right now

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi Jojimer, thanks so much for watching and connecting! If you haven't already, may I suggest that you check out our free music theory book, '12 Music Theory Hacks to Learn Scales and Chords'? It's a refresher of the basics and it's a super fast and fun read. Next, I think you will find our "Hack Music Theory for Songwriting and Producing" PDF very helpful. It clearly explains the modes and how to use them to write songs with different 'vibes'. It also has a wealth of other hacks which include how to write chord progressions, bass lines, synth riffs, etc. You can download it from our website here: revolutionharmony.com/books. As for our DAW, 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 :)

[@robnzombiz]

Oh boy, I wish I had a music theory teacher like you when I „learned“ it 20yrs ago... so now I have to delete what I‘ve learned back than to make space in my brain for your approach! Do you have 5 Hacks for that too?

[@philgwellington6036]

Thank you Jason.You have exited me to have a play..and start hitting chords ..subbed with 5 minutes before the whistle 👍

[@mxrocketbeats]

You guys just improved my chord progression skills for real, love the channel!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey thanks for watching and connecting, MXRocket Beats, it always makes us happy to know that our hacks are helping musicians! Until next time, take care and happy songwriting! Kate :)

[@Lexo593]

I clicked on it because I wanted to learn how to make a chorus from either Jason Stratham or Deadmau5. Great vid!

[@devaldyjonathan]

huft.. thank god.. I almost not ended up watching this video because I accidentally close the tab on my browser.. I was like.. oh well I don't really need it.. But then i remember that you could open up your last closed tab by clicking CTRL+SHIFT+T.. and now I feel so blessed! this video is so "gorgeous" this video could literally change my life.. so yeah.. Thank You so much for making this such beautiful and important content :D

[@billwarner213]

Dude, this video is absolutely awesome!

[@goldkante]

Amazing! Thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge!

[@NOVAxSHADE]

Your totally good at this! First video I've watched. Great teacher/instructor mode, Bro!

[@dominoe1130]

Loved the video dude! Thanks for the music hacks

[@isaacnewtonaranas3770]

This is what I actually dreamed of music schooling. Thank you very much. I hope you do more content :)

[@edryba4867]

Ray! That was BRILLIANT! I liked it so much, I watched it twice in a row. And as soon as all these construction guys are finished coming in and out of my house (rebuilding the kitchen), I’ll be able to get back to your songwriting and producing course! It’s been really annoying trying to think “MUSIC” between the hammering and the extremely loud power tile saw. I wish they were FINISHED already!!!

[@punkaholicmember]

I knew 'bout every hack you told about in the vid, nonetheless beautiful refresh for my mind. And i liked your enthousiasm in the end!

[@robotiss8871]

this is tremendous stuff. so fun to get into. you're killin it

[@StevenMercuryLance]

Very awesome video, LOVED IT!

[@davidhunt5893]

The way you break down theory is amazing. I'v tried to understand it so many times and only end up getting more confused but now I might have a chance. Thank you

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey thanks so much for your kind words, David! We're thrilled to hear it's hitting the spot :) By the way, what kind of music do you make?

[@DeuceGenius]

ohhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i finally understand what the hell a key is and how a key contains many chords

[@crespobeatz]

Your explanations are so dope man thank you

[@Eric15d]

Really great video thank you!!

[@lukeskywalk9773]

uplifting lesson. thx.

[@RahulD]

Really love your way of teaching. I'm sure I'm not going to forget about this video anytime soon lol.

[@koa1938]

OMG! thank you so much, I´ve learned so much and I´m definitely going to start my chorus

[@tipsock]

That is perfect. Thanks man!

[@chinxong4567]

This is the video that i need! Since i should make a song in a group for the music lesson.... Thank you hack music theory!

[@davelester1985]

Great job explaining so that people can catch on right away. You were not wandering but stayed right on what was the lesson. You didn't go too fast or add in extra info not needed. It is for sure you had a good lesson plan and had given it a lot of thought. I also want to mention that you were not showing off how great you are, you just presented the info. Nice!

[@HackMusicTheory]

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

[@paulmutter8301]

Brilliant, so clear thanks very much

[@samora80]

thx for sharing the knowledge man.

[@tonypistilli532]

Wow! That was so inspiring! Watching you actually move the notes while you teach made it so much easier to grasp. I can't wait to try this. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aw thanks so much for watching and connecting, Tony, it always makes us happy to know that our hacks are helping musicians! Until next time, happy songwriting!

[@Machoniak]

Thanks a lot for your lessons again :)

[@DemonMix]

i'd watched many good videos about music theory explaining chord progressions wich i've learnt a lot from, but sometimes all you need is THAT video, and in my case this is it. thank you.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Woohoo, happy to hear it, Demon Mix, 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 :)

[@shauntkederian7702]

You’re brilliant mate, changed the game for me

[@GoOdG3rMs]

hands down by far the best chord progression video i've seen! and i've watched about 20 of those. thanks a bunch!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey thanks for watching and connecting, Lukas, it always makes us happy to know that our hacks are helping musicians! Until next time, happy songwriting! Kate :)

[@Mr66495]

Excellent tutorial

[@clunesin19]

Man thank you very much for this video ! you are a real beast! very clear and helpful, total respect

[@frangellico]

The sust 2 chord hack with majors is great mate, one of the best chord tips ive seen. Big thanks!! by the way, is there any other vid or tutorial where you explain more convinations like that??? big thanks!

[@SlytanX]

Awesome vid. Thanks!

[@ksquare9206]

Your voice is enduring, you made me stay till the end, earned a sub. I hope to learn everything.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Thanks so much for watching, connecting and subbing, K Square! We're pumped to welcome you into our Hack Music Theory revolution! What kind of music do you make? Kate :)

[@ksquare9206]

I really don't know about music production, I only do keyboard covers for songs but I'm interested in music production. I'm an average keyboard player 😅

[@fromtheashes6327]

Incredible lesson, many thanks :)

[@molly-bd2lo]

this was so helpful - i had no idea how to do this but ill try out a few things!

[@michaelaguilar524]

Just found this channel. Suoer thankful for people like you all. For some, we cant or don't/didnt get the chance to go to music schools. Great video 👌

[@HackMusicTheory]

Welcome Michael! We're super pumped that you found us and we're happy to be helping fellow songwriters/producers. Thanks so much for watching and connecting, it means a lot to us. Hope you're having a great weekend! Kate :)

[@djsweatysac1842]

Thank you very much for the video tutorial.

[@trebleclef7684]

I really love it!

[@forrestmatter5863]

I wish my name was asparagus! lol this video is so helpful.

[@StephaneGman]

All things I know what they are. But knowing how to really use them is amazing. Great video!

[@MrAndersonDJ]

brilliant. some great insights here

[@endpace]

I have always been a person who liked symmetry or made use of symmetry more than others. When I was building a Clash of Clans base for example I would always find myself fixing asymmetries that others wouldn't even notice just to maintain a pattern. Now that I know that catchiness has a lot to do with symmetry too I feel kind of blessed to be someone who pays attention to it hahaha

[@puremusicdrug5860]

17:00 the way he dance made me laugh a lot🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@HackMusicTheory]

Thanks, pure music drug :) Really appreciate you watching and connecting!

[@anthonyscott16]

Hey thanks for the lesson! That was really interesting

[@galen2242]

Solid advice!!

[@andrewryder1319]

excellent video!

[@williamchandler744]

Wonderful explanation on sus2 and it's uses.....very very helpful.

[@minifigmotion6426]

Omg the way u say the word ‘crowd’ is so amazing😂😂 btw great vid!!

[@WayanAyama]

HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS CHANNEL??? This is so unbelievably helpful, thank you! Definitely subscribing ^^

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi Wayan! Thank you for your very kind words and support, it is our pleasure and privilege to share our knowledge with the world! We're pumped to welcome you into our Hack Music Theory revolution! What kind of music do you make? Kate :)

[@WayanAyama]

I make electronic and I want to get into orchestral composition as well ^^ Thank you

[@PepeHerman]

Great Video thanks very informative

[@5966ramesh]

Superb video. Thank you for the lesson.

[@chit7020]

This is amazing! Thank you!

[@MusicalMoobSlap]

im folllowing you because of your head banging at the end, the information i just received is tottally scrumptious yes... but... you bopping in the corner...that just solidified the sub sub XD Legend.

[@johncostopoulos7741]

thanks for sharing your talent and knowledge. Greatly appreciated!

[@HackMusicTheory]

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

[@KCRedneck5150]

This is so amazing!!!!!!!

[@algorev8679]

Now THAT's awesome!

[@hansdampf6777]

Big thank you for taking the time and sharing your knowledge!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey Hans! Thanks for watching and connecting, it means a lot to us. We're glad to have you along for the ride and look forward to hearing from you again. Until then, take care and happy songwriting! Kate :)

[@denvy21]

Awesome lesson to make catchy track.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey Blue World, thanks so much for watching and connecting! We're pumped that you found our video helpful :D What kind of music do you make? Hope you're having a great week. Until next time, take care. Kate :)

[@Ayoutubeaccount3]

I made a song with a really mystical dreamy feel to it in the acoustic guitar section (the verse) and because I only read tab for guitar I worked out what I was doing on the piano and I was overlapping a lydian mode over the major scale but was focussing on the minor chords and adding 7ths, in short I realised how cool modes are and its funny how you post this video at this time, thanks dude!

[@HackMusicTheory]

The universe is a very mysterious place! Thanks so much for watching and sharing Sebastián! Until next time, take care and happy songwriting. Kate :)

[@moreapropos]

Very helpful. I think of music theory like the rules of grammar. It can get complicated quickly and end up being very intimidating, even though many can speak the language and know what sounds right and what doesn't. However, like most art and forms of creative expression, it is always better to know the underlying rules and theory, then break the rules once you know them. I love how you are taking a subject that has always been intimidating to me, and making it so much more understandable. Great work!!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey Flying High! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, we're deeply grateful to you. Yes, we also like to equate music theory to grammar. And just like grammar, we learn it one step at a time and we practice by using it! Ray has spent decades learning it, teaching it and simplifying it so that we can learn it faster and easier, so I'm thrilled to hear that his hacks are making music theory accessible to you! What kind of music do you make? Until next time, happy songwriting! Kate :)

[@bobcope3816]

Great video, i Learned a lot. Thank you !

[@rubendariorodriguezdaza2034]

Great video TY!

[@DorianTwist]

Weird. I literally just purchased one of your books on Amazon and had no idea that you had a KZbin channel as well. I stumbled upon it randomly. Thanks for this... great content.

[@HackMusicTheory]

That's amazing, Dorian Twist, we're beyond happy to hear that you're enjoying our channel! Thank you ultra mega much for buying Ray's book, and thanks also for connecting, it means the world to us. Actually, on that note, if you feel inspired by the book, please consider writing a review on Amazon (these help a ton!), so we can spread these teachings to even more people. By the way, what kinda music do you make? Kate :)

[@Overxpossed]

wow man... you just showed the micro and the macro so well that I got aware of certain things I wasn't! Thanks a lot mate!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Super happy to hear this was helpful to you, Overxpossed, 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 :)

[@Overxpossed]

@@HackMusicTheory Thanks bro; I do mostly electronic music, but also did some symphonic music reading a couple of books you surely know, which is one of harmony by Schoenberg and one for orchestration, by Walter Piston (long time ago). I've been doing some experiments from what you explained, mostly looking for the hidden melody and the repetition that evolves into something new, as well, how at certain point, some cluster of notes can be shifted in tone to almost, any tone if one of the notes matches with the second melody, let say, and it sounds super good, like a fuge of Bach. It's incredible because, just adjusting some notes you end with a "piece" that can be used and reused and it's always new and exciting. It is so wide in possibilities that it also sounds like recorded from a MIDI keyboard in real time, you know, that feeling. It's incredible how much a melody can be subdivided and reorganized, creating patterns that sounds even like an Steve Vai solo, let say. I've subscribed to your channel. For sure!

[@sebastientarano2297]

ive bin makeing trap for almost a year now an this is honestly the most helpfull video ive seen to dat thank you so much cuh

[@doguseyidoglu5937]

You just made my day. Thanks a lot mate! Love you!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Glad to have been of service! Thanks for the love and for watching, it really means the world to us. Take care and happy songwriting!