Learn · chords

How to continue a chord progression

Decide what the next chord should do before choosing its name. It can return home, delay that return, or open a contrasting section. Sing or play a note you want the next chord to support, then test a few bass notes beneath it.

Choose a function you can hear

A progression that already feels complete may need repetition with a changed rhythm, not another chord. If it feels suspended, a chord with a stronger pull back to the start may help.

Use the melody as evidence. The same candidate chord can sound inevitable under one held note and awkward under another. Test the whole bar rather than a single strum.

Try three distinct directions

After Am → F → C, returning to Am gives an early close. G pushes forward and can make a later Am more satisfying. E major introduces G♯ and creates a sharper pull back to Am.

These are possibilities, not a universal ranking. Keep the choice that serves the phrase you are actually writing.

Play it

One opening, three next chords

You have: Am → F → C
Close: → Am
Keep moving: → G
Pull toward Am: → E

Each fourth chord changes the expectation of the next bar. E major's G♯ is outside the plain A natural minor collection but can lead strongly to A.

Try this

Loop the first three chords and try each ending twice. Sing one note over the fourth chord; keep the version that lets you finish the phrase.