20 Sad Chord Progressions | Create Unique Musical Moods

Music has the power to evoke powerful emotional responses from its listeners. Chord progressions play a key role in this, as they can be used to construct a range of different feelings and emotions through the use of different combinations of notes.

One of the most impactful chord progressions is the sad chord progression. Sad chord progressions have been used in countless music pieces throughout history to invoke feelings of sorrow, loneliness, and despair.

The use of sad chord progressions is largely dependent on the tonality of the piece, as different chords work better in certain keys. Major keys typically provide a more uplifting and positive tone, while minor keys can provide more of a melancholic feeling.

By using the right combination of chords in a minor key, a composer can build a range of emotions beginning with a feeling of despair and ending with a feeling of hope.

Below is a list of 20 sad chord progressions that can be used to create melancholic and emotive musical pieces:

Basic Music Theory and Chord Progressions

Key signatures are a fundamental concept in music theory. It is the arrangement of sharp (#) and flat (b) notes in a specific pattern across all the registers of a scale.

Key signatures establish the tonal center of a piece, assigning particular notes of the scale to a specific place in the music. Knowing key signatures can be helpful when transposing a piece to a different key.

Diatonic chords are chords that are built from notes contained in the key signature. These chords often have a strong sense of tonality and will create a sense of unity in the music.

Knowing the diatonic chords in a key signature helps to understand the underlying harmonic structure of a piece and provides the building blocks for creating interesting chord progressions.

The concept of tension and resolution in chord progressions is important in understanding how to create a pleasing effect for the listener. It is the idea that a chord progression should move through different states of tension, ultimately leading to a resolution of the tension and a sense of completeness.

By combining diatonic chords in interesting and creative ways, a musician can create a compelling and interesting harmonic structure.

In creating tension and resolution in a chord progression, it is important to understand the harmonic function of each chord and how it works in relation to other chords.

This includes understanding the relationship between different chord qualities, such as major and minor, and the different notes that make up each chord.

By incorporating these ideas, a musician can create a sense of movement and momentum in the music that will draw in the listener and create an interesting journey.

Sad Chord Progressions in Minor Keys

i – VI – III – VII (Example: Am – F – C – G)

This chord progression is known as a “sad” chord progression because of the contrast between the minor tonality of the chords and the major tonality of the resolution.

This progression begins with the i chord, the tonic chord of the key, which is in this case Am. This is followed by the VI chord, which is the submediant chord and is in this case an F chord.

The III chord is then used, which is the mediant chord and is in this case a C chord. The progression ends with the VII chord, which is the leading-tone chord and is in this case a G chord.

The use of the minor tonality of the chords, combined with the major tonality of the resolution, creates a sense of tension and resolution. This tension and resolution are what make this chord progression so effective in creating a sense of sadness in the music.

The use of the minor key creates a feeling of longing and nostalgia, while the major tonality of the resolution provides a sense of hope and optimism.

In addition, this chord progression is often used in slow tempo music, as it creates an atmosphere of melancholy and sorrow. These elements combine to create a powerful emotional impact that can transport listeners into a state of sadness and reflection.

i – iv – v – i (Example: Am – Dm – Em – Am)

This chord progression begins with the i chord, the tonic chord of the key, which is in this case Am. This is followed by the iv chord, which is the subdominant chord and is in this case a Dm chord.

The v chord is then used, which is the dominant chord and is in this case an Em chord. The progression ends with the i chord, which is the tonic chord and is, in this case, an Am chord.

This chord progression is often used in sad music because of its ability to create a sense of melancholia and sorrow. Through the use of the minor tonality of the iv and v chords, the music is able to create a sense of unease and longing.

This feeling is then resolved when the progression returns to the major tonality of the tonic chord, providing a sense of hope and optimism.

VI – VII – i (Example: F – G – Am)

This sad chord progression, VI – VII – i (Example: F – G – Am), is often used in minor keys. The VI chord (Example: F in the key of A minor) usually has a long, sustained feel, and is often used to create a sense of tension in the music.

The VII chord (Example: G in the key of A minor) often has a more melancholic and mournful quality, as it feels like it’s leading to a resolution.

Finally, the i chord (Example: Am in the key of A minor) typically has a very solemn and sorrowful sound. Together, these chords create a moving, emotional atmosphere that can evoke intense feelings in the listener.

i – VII – VI – V (Example: Am – G – F – E)

This chord progression of i – VII – VI – V is a sad and emotional one. It has often been used in popular music to convey a sense of sadness or melancholy.

This is perhaps due to the fact that the tonic chord of the progression (i) is followed by the seventh (VII) chord, which is a chromatic alteration of the tonic.

This creates a feeling of instability and uncertainty, which can be felt instinctively. Furthermore, the sixth (VI) chord is usually a minor chord, adding to the melancholic feel of the progression.

Finally, the fifth (V) chord often serves as a kind of resolution, but in this case, the V chord is often diminished, adding to the hollowness of the progression.

iv – i – VII – III (Example: Dm – Am – G – C)

This sad chord progression is made up of four minor chords, starting in the key of D minor (iv) and progressing to i (Am), VII (G), and III (C).

The use of the minor chords creates a haunting and melancholy feeling, with the progression beginning in a minor key and ending in a major key, giving a sense of resolution and hope.

The sudden change from minor to major in the final chord adds an element of surprise and can leave the listener with a sense of optimism.

The overall effect of this progression is one of anguish and sorrow, creating an emotional journey that can evoke powerful feelings in the listener.

Sad Chord Progressions in Major Keys

I – iii – vi – IV (Example: C – Em – Am – F)

The chord progression I – iii – vi – IV (Example: C – Em – Am – F) is a common sad chord progression in major keys. This progression features the tonic (I), minor third (iii), minor sixth (vi) and perfect fourth (IV) chords.

The tonic chord provides a sense of resolution and stability, while the minor third, minor sixth, and perfect fourth chords create a feeling of melancholy and despair.

The minor third and perfect fourth chords also create a feeling of tension and unresolved emotion, which combines with the tonic chord to create a sense of sadness.

This chord progression is commonly used in ballads and other sad songs to evoke a sense of longing and sadness.

ii – V – I – vi (Example: Dm – G – C – Am)

The chord progression ii – V – I – vi is a particularly sad progression used in many popular songs. This progression is often used when writing a song about sadness, heartbreak, grief, or despair.

The progression begins with a minor ii chord, which gives the song a melancholic, sorrowful sound. This is followed by a dominant V chord, which further emphasizes the sense of sadness in the song.

This leads to a major I chord, which provides some slight hope or relief in the song. But this is then followed by a minor vi chord, which brings the song back to a darker state of emotion.

This chord progression conveys a strong sense of sadness, making it perfect for capturing the emotions of melancholy, grief, and despair.

IV – I – V – vi (Example: F – C – G – Am)

The chord progression IV-I-V-vi is a very popular and emotionally powerful progression. It starts on the IV chord (F in the example) and then moves to the I (C), followed by the V (G), and then the vi (Am).

This progression conveys a sense of sadness and uncertainty, often used to express emotional turmoil or struggles. The IV-I-V-vi progression implies a journey from a starting point of struggle or sadness, to a resolution of that issue, and then back to a state of uncertainty.

This type of chord progression can be found in many popular songs, often used to express the struggles of life and the feelings of sadness that accompany them.

vi – V – IV – I (Example: Am – G – F – C)

The chord progression vi – V – IV – I is a common and popular choice for sad songs. It is often used to evoke feelings of sorrow, longing, and regret. For example, in the key of Am, this chord progression would be Am – G – F – C.

The minor vi chord often helps give the progression an even more melancholic feel, while the V chord provides a hint of hope.

The IV chord helps bring some resolution, and the I chord ties the progression together and brings a feeling of finality. This chord progression can be used in a variety of musical styles, and is often found in pop, rock, and folk music.

I – V – vi – IV (Example: C – G – Am – F)

This simple chord progression of I – V – vi – IV (Example: C – G – Am – F) is a classic representation of sadness in music. It is often referred to as the ‘sad chord progression’.

The chords in this particular progression create an emotionally charged atmosphere that evokes a feeling of sorrow and regret.

The progression begins with the tonic chord (I in C major – C), which implies stability and serves as a starting point. This is followed by the dominant chord (V in C major – G), which creates tension and a sense of unease.

The next chord in the progression is the minor chord of the sixth scale degree (vi in C major – Am), which further intensifies the feeling of sadness. Finally, the progression ends on the subdominant chord (IV in C major – F), which adds a sense of finality and closure.

The I – V – vi – IV chord progression is one of the most powerful tools of expressing sadness in music. It creates an emotional journey that captures the listener’s attention and elicits a strong response.

This simple yet effective chord progression has been used in countless popular songs for decades and will continue to do so for many years to come.

Modal Interchange and Borrowed Chords

One of the most powerful tools that composers and songwriters have at their disposal is modal interchange, which involves borrowing chords from parallel keys. This can be an especially powerful tool for creating a sad atmosphere in a piece of music.

As an example, let’s say we are in the key of C Major. We could choose to borrow chords from the parallel minor key of C Minor.

This could involve using the natural minor scale, which has a flattened third (E♭ instead of E), a flattened sixth (A♭ instead of A) and a flattened seventh (B♭ instead of B).

This could involve using a minor chord instead of a major chord in the progression, such as switching out a C Major chord for a C Minor chord.

We could also choose to use the harmonic minor scale, which has a flattened third (E♭ instead of E) and a raised seventh (B♯ instead of B). This could involve using a minor chord instead of a major chord, such as switching out a C Major chord for a C Minor chord.

This could also involve using a diminished chord instead of a major chord, such as switching out a G Major chord for a G Minor chord.

By combining the use of natural minor and harmonic minor scales, we can create some very creative and unique chord progressions, such as a minor ii-V-I progression (Dm-G-C), or a minor vi-iii-vii progression (Am-Em-B♭). By incorporating these progressions into our music, we can create a unique and powerful atmosphere that is perfect for expressing sadness and sorrow.

Sad Chord Progressions with Modal Interchange

i – bVI – bIII – bVII (Example: Am – F – C – G)

This sad chord progression of i – bVI – bIII – bVII is a very effective way to create a sense of sadness in a piece of music.

The progression utilizes the minor key tonality, with the major 6th (F) and major 3rd (C) chords providing a sense of tension and instability beneath the tonic (Am).

This creates a feeling of sadness and longing, as the chords don’t resolve in a pleasing way.

To add to the melancholic atmosphere, modal interchange is employed; the minor 6th (Fm) and minor 7th (Gm) chords are used instead of the major chords, creating a darker and more emotional ambience.

This sad chord progression can be used in a wide variety of genres and styles to create a reflective and heartbreaking atmosphere.

I – v – IV – iv (Example: C – Gm – F – Dm)

The chord progression I – v – IV – iv is a very classic and recognizable sad chord progression in music. The progression begins with the tonic, or root chord, of the key you are in (in this example, C Major).

The progression then moves to the relative minor chord in the key, or the 5th degree of the scale (Gm in this example), before moving to the 4th degree of the scale (F Major), and finally resolving to the relative minor of the 4th degree chord (Dm in this example).

This progression creates a sense of sadness and longing in the listener as it creates a sense of unresolved tension between the chords. It’s a great choice to evoke a sense of emotion and sadness in a piece of music.

i – iv – bVII – bIII (Example: Am – Dm – G – C)

This sad chord progression of i – iv – bVII – bIII (Am – Dm – G – C) is a powerful and emotive combination of notes. The combination of an i minor chord, a iv minor chord, a flat VII major chord and a flat III major chord combine to create an atmosphere of melancholy and sorrow.

This chord progression is often used as part of a major key resolution, but can also be used to describe a lingering sadness.

The juxtaposition between major and minor chords creates a unique tension and emotion that can be used to enhance a story or song.

The use of the minor i chord as the root of the progression adds to the feeling of sadness and helps to emphasize the lyrical content of the song or story. This chord progression is a great way to evoke emotion and can be used in a variety of musical genres for a variety of purposes.

I – ii – bIII – IV (Example: C – Dm – Eb – F)

This I – ii – bIII – IV chord progression is a classic example of harmonic minor tonality, which is often used in jazz and rock music.

The tonic chord, C, sets the key for the progression, with the subdominant ii chord (Dm) providing a sense of forward movement, and the bIII chord (Eb) providing harmonic tension.

Finally, the IV chord (F) brings the progression back to the tonic and concludes the phrase. This gives the listener a satisfying resolution after the tension of the bIII chord.

vi – bVI – IV – I (Example: Am – F – F – C)

This vi – bVI – IV – I chord progression (Example: Am – F – F – C) is a common harmonic pattern that can be used to create captivating and emotive music.

The vi chord (Am) is the minor chord in the key and the bVI chord (F) is the flatted submediant chord.

Both of these chords add tension to the progression, making it sound more complex and interesting.

The IV chord (F) is the subdominant chord and the I chord (C) is the tonic chord, which helps to provide a sense of resolution to the progression. This chord progression is often used in folk, blues, and pop music, and can create a beautiful, haunting atmosphere.

Chord Progressions with Extended and Altered Chords

In music, chord progressions are used to create tension and resolution through the use of a series of chords. By using extended and altered chords, musicians can further manipulate the emotional depth and complexity of the musical passage.

Extended chords are defined as chords that have notes beyond the standard triad, such as 7ths, 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths. Altered chords are any chord that has been modified from its diatonic form – either by changing the root position, adding additional notes or chromatically changing the notes in the chord.

Extended and altered chords can be used to add emotional depth to a chord progression by creating a sense of tension and resolution.

When used in the proper context, extended and altered chords can add a subtle hint of dissonance, which can further enhance the emotional intensity of a chord progression. By using extended and altered chords, musicians can add subtle nuances to their music that can help create a unique sound.

Furthermore, extended and altered chords can be used to create smooth modulations between different keys. By introducing an altered or extended chord, the musician can create a bridge between two different keys without disrupting the flow of the song. This is a powerful way to add melodic complexity to a song without sacrificing the overall feel of the piece.

In conclusion, extended and altered chords are a powerful tool for creating emotionally charged chord progressions. By adding extended and altered chords into a progression, musicians can add texture and depth to their music.

These chords can be used to create tension and resolution, as well as to create smooth modulations between different keys. No matter the style of music, by using extended and altered chords, musicians can add a unique flavor to their music that will help draw in the listener.

Sad Chord Progressions with Extended and Altered Chords

i – iv(add9) – VII – III (Example: Am – Dm(add9) – G – C)

The chord progression for this example is as follows:

Am: A C E G

Dm(add9): D F A C E

G: G B D

C: C E G

This is a sad chord progression featuring extended and altered chords. The primary chords are Am, Dm(add9), G, and C, with the Dm(add9) chord including an extra E note to give it a more melancholic feel.

The use of minor tonality and extended chords all help to create a haunting atmosphere. To build on this sound, use different voicings of the chords and experiment with different inversions.

You may also want to add chromatic passing tones between chords to add extra tension and further emphasize the desired mood.

I – V7 – vi – IV (Example: C – G7 – Am – F)

This I – V7 – vi – IV chord progression is a common sequence in many musical styles. The I chord is often used as a tonic chord, the V7 is a dominant chord that creates tension and leads to the I, and the vi is a subdominant chord that also leads to the I.

The IV chord is often used as a substitute tonic, creating a sense of resolution. It’s important to note that the chords will sound different depending on which key you’re playing in.

i – VI7 – III – VII (Example: Am – F7 – C – G)

The example given in the instructions is a progression in the key of A minor, with the chords being A minor, F7, C, and G.

In each key, the i chord is the tonic (or root) chord, the VI7 is the sub-dominant 7th chord, the III chord is the relative major of the minor key, and the VII is the dominant 7th chord.

Therefore, in A minor, the i is A minor, the VI7 is F7, the III is C, and the VII is G7. The progression can also be written as A min7 – F7 – C maj7 – G7.

IVmaj7 – I – V7 – vi (Example: Fmaj7 – C – G7 – Am)

The IVmaj7 – I – V7 – vi progression is a common chord progression used in many popular songs. This progression is known for its strong resolution on the vi chord, with the tonic chord as a starting point.

The IVmaj7 chord typically acts as a strong emotional pivot point, providing both a contrast between the tonic and the V7 and a point of tension before the resolution to the vi chord.

This chord progression is often used in the context of verse-chorus form, where the IVmaj7 – I – V7 – vi often found in the bridge of the song.

The IVmaj7 – I – V7 – vi progression can also be used to create a bluesy feel, with the IVmaj7 and V7 acting as a dominant seventh structure. This progression is often used in jazz and blues, and can be used to create a sense of tension and resolution in a song.

i – iv6 – v7 – i (Example: Am – Dm6 – Em7 – Am)

This progression is an example of a ii–V–I cadence, which is a very common harmonic sequence used in jazz, blues, and classical music. The ii chord (Dm6) is a minor chord with an added 6th note, while the V chord (Em7) is a dominant chord with an added 7th note.

The I chord (Am) acts as a resolution to the previous two chords, providing a satisfying ending to the progression.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sad chord progressions can be used in many different musical styles and contexts, from jazz to blues to classical. Experimentation and creativity are essential when composing music with these types of progressions, as they can create a unique emotional feel for a song.

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