Common Chord Progressions In Anime

Why do so many anime opening and closing songs use variations of the same chord progression? In this video we'll discuss what that progression is, what anime use it, its variations, and where it comes from.

NOTE: The title of this video used to be "What Is The Anime Chord Progression". Check my pinned comment below for more details.

[ANIMYZE]

UPDATE: This video's title has been changed to better reflect its content. In the opinion of myself and others the previous title was inappropriately giving people the impression I was suggesting a 456 and its variations are somehow exclusive to anison and Japanese music in general (or that they're the only common progressions in those fields). Both of those arguments would be ridiculous notions to be sure. The actual content of this video never purports those claims so nothing in the video has been changed. This chord progression and its variations are however still relevant to fans of Japanese music and the music featured in anime because of the enormous frequency with which they've appeared in the last few decades. This conclusion was the result of a handful of years worth of transcription by myself and three other composers. For some anecdotal proof concerning their frequency please read the comments below. For something more quantitative please watch this video or search "The Royal Road Progression". Happy watching, folks!

[kuroageha]

As a Japanese musician, I have to say the fact:Half of what you call “anime songs” are not made for each anime (especially from middle of 1990s to early 2000s, most of them are not). They are made by Japanese musicians first, and then “tied-up” with anime by companies for promotion of the musician and song themselves.
In other words, not only anime songs but also much of Japanese pop songs have that feature:Ⅳ-Ⅴ-Ⅵm chord progression and/or transformation of that.
I also use that usually.

[ronnleemorris]

Rick Astley's Never Gonna Give You Up uses the IV-V-iii-vi progression and so does his other hit song Together Forever.

[ernie]

please highlight the chord number as it appears in the song example when you play it. this really helps show the chord changes and demonstrates your points. great video. thanks!

[desrucca]

4 5 6- 1 is one of the mainstream progression in any pop musics

The original is what i called "The Half Cannon progession"
1 5 6- 4

other frequently used in pop music
6- 1 5 4

Add 3, it will be the "Full Cannon Progression"
1 5 6- 3- 4 1 4 5

There is no harm in flipping the chords as long as it is connected with the root chord

Today lots of J-pop groups are playing around with Jazz and Hiphop sauces which make the progression kinda jazzy

[ANIMYZE]

Thanks so much for all of the love this video has gotten! It means the world to me. Just wanted to respond to some of your comments here: Because the target audience of this channel is anime fans, I am light-heartedly using the term "anime music" and "the anime chord progression". Objectively, these terms have a complicated existence and colloquially I myself wouldn't use them outside of a very specific bubble (which this video is clearly in). My next video or the one after that will be discussing the complicated nature of these terms. Until then, keep a few things in mind: 1) The majority of the music used in anime is by Japanese artists, usually outside of the anison-exclusive space. 2) These chord progressions, while commonly employed within anime (thus making them characteristic of anime and Japanese music in general), are frequently employed by musicians all over the world in various fields.

[TurboA]

well that was fuckin excellent. Great video!

[Alouette_EXE]

As a composer, i really love those chords because there are so many melodies that can fit into it and also i am a fan of that anime vibe. Sure i could've make tons of songs with only those chords. But i really try to refrain myself from using it too much or even try to at least make it less obvious to make my song sound less cliche while still keeping the anime vibes. It's like a challenge.

[exyl_sounds]

Subbed instantly. I suck at music theory but this was really well explained and I could comfortably follow along. Personally I don’t mind cliche chords cause I mean, people kinda just gravitate to the kind of music that makes them comfortable. I grew up in egypt and our music has maqaam scales with microtonals, it has so much unexplored potential for cool harmonic stuff but sadly it may sound unfamiliar and uncomfortable to most.

[Tmidiman]

It’s as overused as the I IV V in Blues and swing jazz. It’s not overused, as there are many textures and themes being communicated. There are also many creative options for composers to offer new takes on the progression.

[AymuM]

Awesome! What's a chord progression?

Edit: Oh my God, am I the most liked comment on this video?

[bgregz]

Honestly, as someone who craves novelty, I want to say it's overused. But, given the examples you put, it's clear that this progression is being properly explored -- I had no idea it was even in some of those songs.

[rizzakbeats]

I would say that it isn‘t overused because people still enjoy and listen to the openings with a lot of joy. Simplicity is what makes pop to pop and it‘s nice to have a good working formular. The chordprogression may be the same in a lot of songs but many other aspects like speed, instrumentalization, rhythm and so on gives you the chance to still make something unique about it 😊 it‘s a GREAT video!!! Keep on doing that great stuff 🙏

[owenkohut]

This is such a cool video I never thought music theory behind anime openings could be so interesting but this is fascinating

[NickOleksiakMusic]

" IV V III- VI- " is generally THE chord prog I think of when I think of anime. I personally find the prog a little monotonous at this point, but there's no denying that it's iconic.
" IV V VI- III- " is honestly a solid chord prog and can still sound fresh.
" IV V VI- I/3rd " can be a tear-jerker. I/3rd in general is a great technique.
It's amazing how changing the formula even slightly can make a world of difference.

[overlord]

i have been searching for so long about anime chord progressions because anime songs are so cool and melodic. Now i know. Thank you for the lesson. Very much appreciated. ❤

[bebopobama]

I'm near illiterate when it comes to music theory, but man thanks so much for this video.
It put into words something I've observed about anime music for years, but didn't have the vocabulary to explain easily.
Your explanation is so good at dissecting it and making it digestible.

[KozumaHeiji]

Another variation I especially love is the IV V III vi - where III is actually the dominant V of vi - it creates an even more dramatic effect because we have the tritone in there pulling it towards the resolution, which is the minor vi. It's almost jarring to have two dominant chords one after another, but extremely satisfying when we get to the vi.
The example I remember is Starlog by ChouCho. The chorus starts with B (IV), goes to C# (V), then A#7 (III) and resolves to D#m (vi). On top of it they play the chords for two bars each and (to add insult to the injury) they put a lot of emphasis on the D note (actually C double sharp in the A# chord), which doubles as a passing chromatic tone into the D#m (C# - D - D#). It's ingenious and it fascinated me for years - the tension buildup is just crazy - but it works perfectly.
I wonder if it's easier to think of it as Gb instead, but then the chorus starts with Cb haha
I think I picked a terrible example 🤣
Great vid! Thanks

[mad_lipz]

As someone who has played guitar on and off for 20 years (only as a hobby, I don't consider myself a musician really), this was a very fascinating and eye opening video. It has given me some inspiration and a starting point for possibly writing my own songs. Very informative, and it just blows my mind sometimes that musical theory has such depth to it.

Also you have a great speaking voice, will definitely be checking out more videos. Was a great watch

[arkice]

The part at 10:23 where you explain chord families blew my mind. Great video