How To Write Chord Progressions - Songwriting Basics [Music Theory- Diatonic Chords]

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Free online guitar lessons for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players. Located in Crystal Lake, Jake Lizzio provides free jam tracks and video lessons for guitar players, as well as music theory videos and other music education content.

01:09- Forming Diatonic Chords in C
02:40- 3 rules for writing chords
05:55- Quick example in G (with split measure)
08:25- General chord writing advice
11:03- The next steps from here

[SignalsMusicStudio]

This video is a year old now and I've made some important follow up videos for it. Check the description to learn about secondary dominants and borrowed chrods, very practical ways to expand your writing beyond just these seven diatonic chords.

[RudyAyoub]

I cant thank you enough for not having a useless intro

[afz]

His voice is every radio hosts voices blended together

[bossdup]

“You can break the rules, but there are even rules for breaking the rules.”
*Music Theory in a nutshell*

[JacoboVillarreal]

I like what you said: "you can't rely on emotions", specially on days when "following your heart" is the motto. Better to have an informed mind on how things work, then emotions will safely follow.

[saintdamien]

The Bob Ross of guitar lessons. Great job, ton of info. Thanks.

[dd-oezv]

right side of the screen where you visually explain what you're saying is the best thing ever. thank you

[nijo]

I've learned some music theory in my past. Never was it explained in such a pragmatic, relevant way. Kudos.

[dccasey]

This is literally the perfect exercise for me at my level of chord progressions and theory knowledge. I didn't realize it could be that simple to write your own progression. I really feel that this is what I needed to transition to my next level of playing. Thanks a lot!

[gamemastersaga]

This is the most important YouTube video I've ever watched.

[johnmohr]

Why not become a talk show host? You have a voice meant for radio.

[dylandushack]

My bandmate and I get so mad because sometimes we sit down and things just happen perfectly but other times we get absolutely nowhere. This channel is amazing not only in teaching but also reminding that sometimes persistence is the biggest key

[PaulTheSkeptic]

You can change keys for the chorus too. Or the bridge. That works sometimes. The Beatles do that a lot. Then there's learning how to solo over unusual chord progressions and that's fun. Shifting your mode to fit the key changes makes for some really interesting stuff.

[kberryboy]

I'm having so many ah-ha moments and I've only seen like 3 of your videos so far. You the man!

[wademasters]

Holy christ, literally the keys to the beginner song writing kingdom, thank you dude.

[dtechx]

I believe that the more you play with basics like this, the more magic moments you'll have.

[MrCosmonaut]

I'm in that kind of situation, when I know and understand everything you're talking about, but it gives me some pleasure, this enthusiasm of yours, and the way you explain the stuff. You sir, doing a great job, I thank you for that!

[VetNovice]

Your process in teaching and infographics improves with each video. Over time you are becoming a boon to music / song writing by equipping me and others with more and more practical music tools and song analysis with both what is being played, and how it is played with your holistic understanding of production.

You are a master of your craft, and I learned so much about chords, I actually learn so much about your videos. It infers you learn a lot too in the process of making these, I hope you continue to progress.

[sholland]

Writing riffs comes first, arranging songs comes later. Thanks man, you never disappoint.

[oicsaywhat]

You are a great teacher, you’re a natural at explaining your tutorials. I go back to your videos to recollect the music theory I know and you break it down with ease to understand and also instill the confidence with your personality. Thank you!