Piano Chords for Singers · Part 5
Song Progressions. The progressions behind thousands of songs: complete ten progressions in different keys
Akkordfolgen in Songs: Die Akkordfolgen hinter tausenden Songs: zehn Folgen in verschiedenen Tonarten vervollständigen
1 Progressions in Roman Numerals
Akkordfolgen in Stufen
A chord progression is the order of chords in a song. Because progressions are written in Roman numerals, the same pattern works in every key.
Eine Akkordfolge in Stufen lässt sich in jede Tonart übertragen.
| Progression | in C | in G | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| I–V–vi–IV | C – G – Am – F | G – D – Em – C | the “four-chord” pop progression |
| I–vi–IV–V | C – Am – F – G | G – Em – C – D | the 1950s ballad progression |
| vi–IV–I–V | Am – F – C – G | Em – C – G – D | the same chords, starting on the minor |
| I–IV–V–I | C – F – G – C | G – C – D – G | folk, rock and blues basics |
| ii–V–I | Dm – G – C | Am – D – G | the jazz cadence |
Stufen über den Text schreiben – dann ist Transponieren leicht.
2 Complete the Progression
Vervollständigen Sie die Akkordfolge
Choose the chord that is missing from each progression. You get one try per question.
Wählen Sie den fehlenden Akkord. Ein Versuch pro Frage.
3 Music English
Musik-Englisch
| English | Deutsch | Example |
|---|---|---|
| chord progression | Akkordfolge | The verse uses a simple chord progression. |
| verse | Strophe | The verse is quieter. |
| chorus | Refrain | Everyone sings the chorus. |
| bridge | Bridge, Mittelteil | The bridge changes key. |
| cadence | Kadenz | A ii–V–I is a cadence. |
| capo | Kapodaster | Put a capo on the second fret. |
| to change key | die Tonart wechseln, modulieren | The last chorus changes key. |
Say it aloud
- “It’s one–five–six–four in D.”
- “Let’s go straight to the chorus.”
- “Can you play it a tone lower for me?”
4 Why Singers Need This
Warum das für Sängerinnen und Sänger wichtig ist
Play by ear
Recognise the pattern and you can accompany a song you have never seen written down.
Change key on the spot
A singer can ask for any key – you only need the numerals.
Write your own
Start with I–V–vi–IV and change one chord to make it yours.
Play each chord slowly, say its name in English, then sing along.
Langsam spielen, auf Englisch benennen, mitsingen.
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