Chord progressions
Original exercises with chord diagrams, strumming patterns and practice tips. From beginner to advanced.
105 progressions
R&B Groove — Smooth Chord Movement in Bb Major
Contemporary R&B guitar (Usher, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, John Legend) sits at the in…
First Folk Chords — G, C, D in Open Position
The three chords G, C, and D unlock hundreds of folk songs, country tunes, and cl…
Advanced Montuno — Salsa Piano Voicings Adapted for Guitar in Dm
The montuno is the interlocking rhythmic piano figure that drives salsa, mambo, and …
First Blues in E — Open-Position 12-Bar
The 12-bar blues in E is the most important progression in American music.
Bossa Nova ii–V–I Cycle in C — Samba Harmônica
The ii–V–I cadence in bossa nova is the fundamental building block of the style.
Jazz-Blues Bebop Turnaround in F
The bebop-inflected blues is the meeting point of two great American traditions.
Advanced Bossa Nova — Extended Harmony in G
João Gilberto's bossa nova guitar style is deceptively simple-looking but technically …
Blues Chord-Melody Solo in B♭
Chord-melody style presents melody, harmony, and bass simultaneously from a single …
Bossa Nova Morning — Gentle Vamp in D Major
Not every bossa nova piece needs to be harmonically complex.
Bach-Style Prelude in C — Broken Chord Arpeggios
Modeled on the harmonic structure of Bach's Prelude No.
Ska Off-Beat in G
Ska originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s before evolving into rocksteady and reggae.
Cadencia Española (Phrygian Dominant)
The Phrygian dominant scale (1 b2 3 4 5 b6 b7) gives Spanish and Middle Eastern music …
Thrash Metal Riff in E
Thrash metal combines the speed of punk with the heaviness of metal.
Gypsy Jazz Manouche in E minor
Gypsy jazz (jazz manouche) was pioneered by Django Reinhardt and uses a distinctive …
Reggae Minor Groove in D minor
Minor-key reggae has a deeper, more mournful quality than its major-key counterpart.
Cumbia in G
Cumbia originated on the Caribbean coast of Colombia and has spread throughout La…
Tango Argentino in D minor
Argentine tango guitar (called "tango") features a sharp, staccato attack and dra…
Minor ii–V–i in D minor
The minor ii–V–i is distinct from its major counterpart.
Classic Rock I–IV–V
The foundation of rock and roll.
Major Turnaround (I–VI–ii–V) in C
The major I–VI–ii–V is the bread and butter of jazz comping.