Indie chord progressions are often quite simple, making them easy to play and perfect for crafting catchy pop hooks. While their structure may be straightforward, that doesn’t mean they’re predictable. In fact, many standout indie tracks gain their distinctive sound by incorporating unconventional twists in the progression, which is part of what gives them that “indie” feel. This article will explore some of the most popular chord progressions in music and provide examples of well-known songs that feature them. By examining these progressions, we hope to inspire and assist you in writing your next indie pop song.
In this article, we’ll use the Nashville Numbering System to describe chord progressions. This system allows us to represent progressions using Roman numerals, making it adaptable to any musical key.
Indie chord progression 1: I, IV, II, V
Often times, indie pop music pays homage to the music that came before. Terms like retro are tossed around quite a bit when describing the style. The I, IV, II, V is a staple progression with a retro but timeless feel. Adding the II chord between the IV and the V can give an unexpected nostalgic twist to a piece of music. Some famous examples of songs that utilize this progression would be Ben E. King’s Stand By Me, Eagles I Can’t Tell You Why, or Elvis Presley’s I Can’t Help Falling in Love. All of which feature this progression in their verse sections at the very beginning of the songs.
Indie chord progression 2: I, v, vi,iv
Indie music is often defined by its experimental edge and originality. The I, V, VI, IV is a versatile progression that can bring out a unique sound. It’s genre-blending characteristics give songwriters the freedom to write something truly original. Prominent examples of this progression include MGMT’s Kids, Bob Marley’s No Women No Cry, and The Cure’s A Letter To Elise. You can hear this progression in the intro instrumental of each of these songs.
Indie Chord Progression 3: I, IV, V
This wouldn’t be a chord progression review without the inclusion of the infamous I, IV, V. Yes, it’s used all over in modern music and is probably the first progression you learned how to play. But there is a reason this progression is so heavily used. It works. Indie songs are praised for there simplicity and familiarity. This progression gets right down to the point and often sparks some of the most singable melodies for audiences. Examples of songs that utilize this progression include The Beatles Twist and Shout, Tom Petty’s Free Fallin’ and The Cranberries Dreams. All of these tunes feature this progression throughout their verses and choruses.
Indie Chord Progression 4: VI, IV, I, V
The VI, IV, I, V progression is an excellent choice for a lyrically driven song. Its melancholy start, followed by a satisfying resolution, creates a powerful emotional arc that can help tell your story. This progression is perfect for conveying deep, reflective themes while still maintaining an uplifting conclusion. Examples of this progression would include Red Hot Chili Peppers Otherside, Iggy Pop’s The Passenger, and Scott McKenzie’s San Fransisco. To hear this progression clearly, listen to the verse in San Fransisco (0:10-0:20).
Indie chord Progression 5: I, VI, IV, V
The I, VI, IV, V is another very popular progression. After all, you’re just adding the VI chord to the infamous I, IV, V. However, this progression can actually convey a very different feel. The four chord structure offers a strong resolution making this a great progression to pair with wholesome lyrics. Some examples in popular music include The Police Every Breath You Take, The Beatles Let It Be and Elton John’s Crocodile Rock. The chorus of Let It Be is a phenomenal example of this progression in use (0:39).
Final thoughts
In conclusion, indie chord progressions draw inspiration from a variety of genres, and when combined creatively, they offer endless possibilities for crafting original music. Hopefully, this has sparked some ideas and given you a deeper understanding of how different progressions can evoke specific emotions, guiding you in your own songwriting process.
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