THESE CHORD PROGRESSIONS MAKE HITS
Following the announcement of The Life of a Showgirl, @billboard and @billboardcharts came out with a post saying Max Martin is the No. 1 Top Producer of the 21st Century on Billboard’s Hot 100.
These songs, their lyrics, and their chord progression have stood the test of time and spent WEEKS each at no. 1. Whether you want to write pop or not, it’s fun to see what people lean in to and what people like to listen to.
Shake It Off by Taylor Swift
🥁 spent 4 weeks at number 1
🥁 written in the key of G Mixolydian (a mode of G major)
🥁 the chord progression in the chorus is G major — A minor — C major
Blank Space by Taylor Swift
spent a whopping 7 weeks at number 1
written in the key of F major — a widely used key in pop music
the main chord progression we hear is F major — D minor 7
Blinding Lights by The Weekend
✨ spent a solid 4 weeks at number 1
✨ written in the key of C minor
✨ the main chord progression we hear is F minor — C minor
Today, challenge yourself to write in a new key or try a new chord progression (maybe one of these). Let other people’s work inspire you just as much as you inspire yourself!
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Go to the 🔗 in our b!o & steal our chorus writing template that we use when we get stuck in repetitive patterns of writing
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Happy writing, creatives!!
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#singersongwriter #aspiringsinger #chordprogressions #easychordprogressions #makingmusic
Exploring the chord progressions used in hit songs not only enhances your understanding of music theory but also sparks creativity in songwriting. For instance, "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift uses a G Mixolydian mode with a catchy progression of G major — A minor — C major, creating an upbeat and memorable chorus. Meanwhile, "Blank Space" relies on the key of F major featuring a progression of F major — D minor 7, which gives a smooth, emotive quality that resonates widely in pop music. The Weeknd’s "Blinding Lights" stands out with its key of C minor and progression Bb — F minor — C minor — Eb, blending retro synth vibes with modern rhythm that hooked listeners. These chord progressions demonstrate the power of blending familiar harmonic structures with unique modal choices to produce fresh and engaging music. Trying out these established progressions in your own compositions can unlock new musical pathways, whether you stick closely to these patterns or experiment by adding your own twist like substitutions or rhythmic variations. In addition, the concept of modal interchange or borrowing chords from parallel keys (as seen in G Mixolydian for "Shake It Off") expands harmonic options. Understanding such theory concepts enriches your songwriting toolkit and encourages more versatile and expressive music creation. Songwriters can also benefit from lyrical templates or chorus-writing cheat sheets, which help break repetitive writing cycles, improving both musical and lyrical flow. Joining communities like the “Creatives Club” offers invaluable resources—weekly songwriting tips, challenges, chances to collaborate with peers, and artist spotlights—that nurture constant growth and inspiration. These groups provide encouragement and critical feedback, supporting songwriters in refining their craft. Ultimately, analyzing and adopting chord progressions from hit songs is a practical way to grasp what makes music impactful. It inspires both emerging and experienced songwriters to develop their unique style while appreciating the structures that shaped the biggest hits on the Billboard charts. If you’re eager to up your songwriting game, consider incorporating these proven chord progressions and music theory insights into your next piece, and embrace the creative community that shares your passion.
