How Chord Progressions Influence Emotions

This video was requested by a few people and while making it I found out why there aren’t a ton of videos discussing this. It can be really hard to pinpoint the exact emotions a chord progression invokes. This is my best shot at illustrating how one can use music theory to move their chord progression in the manner that they intend to. In my view, it’s not really about what key or what chord you are playing but the chord you played right before the chord you’re hearing - and then how that leads into the one coming next.

These are actual techniques I use when developing emotion during the songwriting progress. I don’t always call it out in my head so much, but what I’m hearing more than anything is upward and downward movements. This becomes even more nuanced when you use chord inversions and extended chords to manipulate the innate upward and downward movements of a musical key.

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[danielporter]

This is the kind of content people who make music actually need. Once again great stuff!

[Swayhoproductions]

I just cried because after so long, I finally understand how to properly express emotions in my music.

[ynskii]

I’ve been wondering why there aren’t more video essay style videos for music production/theory on youtube! thanks for making these!

[ripsense]

i think someone like childish gambino is a master at manipulating emotions through use of chords. his approach to melody seems really simple but underneath it is intricate and deliberate chord choices

[remyrocklive]

Individual chords definitely do carry their own emotion. But the journey of a song is like life, motions change over time.

[beachthor]

When a chord progression doesn't resolve, all i can think about is Andy Bernard from the office getting frustrated in the elevator about his song not resolving melodically.

[joshuajacksmith]

The only problem is that drums produce a great effect on the overall emotion of the piece. In my opinion, the sad ones sounded more like chill stuff, that you might hear in a spotify ad.

[broberkiel]

This video is a masterclass video...immaculate yet simple. I appreciate you.

[lilamjazeefa]

Am I the only one who simply cannot identify the emotions of a piece of music consistently? Like... I feel emotions to music, but almost never the same as anyone else, and often different emotions to the same piece in different contexts. In fact, every single example in this video feels *identical* to me. I felt *zero* difference in emotion in any example.

[rizzbod]

Just dont stop making videos, i guarantee your videos are invaluable and evergreen resources ❤

[yuyuka]

Love the qualitative approach, exactly what I needed right now :)

[rizzbod]

I will literally download your videos and keep it for future reference when i grow up ❤

[prodsage]

I learned something new ive been trying to evoke emotion through music

[sharma_ji]

I discovered your channel recently....and man....I have never seen so much interactive and involving approach to help someone understand music concepts like this ever good and

[ootyxhh]

I’ve been looking for analysis like this. I’d like to find more. I am emotionally sensitive to chord schemes in songs.

[JawJX]

Pierce I'm so glad you started uploading more lessons like these again, they are SO SO SO helpful, you're really one of my favorite channels

[Jemuzu]

I got chills at the end this is somehow genius but simply

[lunamagic]

Wow, love your videos! They are gems. This is so easy to understand and no bullshit no people talking unnecessary info.

[RockBoyy]

Oh man I can't believe I didn't get a notification for these videos! Thanks for the videos man!

[HasztagF]

Another great video! Would love to see one about melodies, counter melodies and some creative ways to approach them. Writing good melodies that work with my songs is definitely my biggest problem rn.