5 Hacks for Better Chord Progressions

Learn how to write better chord progressions, by using melodic motifs, a pedal root, anticipations, sus chords (AKA suspended chords), inversions, and more.

2:03 Hack 1: Pedal Root
2:43 Hack 2: Triads & Inversions
5:36 Hack 3: Sus Chords & Anticipations
7:09 Hack 4: Melodic Motifs
9:10 Hack 5: Join Notes
10:27 Playthrough of Final Chord Progression

By using these music theory hacks, you can write a better chord progression which will result in a mega memorable chord progression for your song. This example is in the Aeolian mode, AKA the natural minor scale, but these chord progression theory hacks can be used in any mode, for any pop song (yes, including hip-hop, rock, R&B, EDM, etc.). So, if you want to learn how to write a great chord progression, then use these 5 songwriting hacks and music hacks to produce and write a song that's contagiously catchy. But first... tea!

What is the HACK MUSIC THEORY show?
Hello, we're Kate Harmony and Ray Harmony, and together we are Revolution Harmony. If you’re new to our channel, welcome, and please allow us to introduce ourselves. We're music producers based in beautiful Vancouver, Canada, and we’re also the founders of Hack Music Theory, the pioneering notation-free method for making great music. Every Monday, you’ll find us here on YouTube sharing our top secret music theory hacks, which are designed to transform you into a super confident music maker whose songs will stand out on those Spotify playlists. So, whether you’re a beginner or a professional, a songwriter or a producer, an instrumentalist or a DAW musician, our music theory hacks will have you writing great songs in no time!

Who is RAY HARMONY?
Ray is an award-winning music lecturer and the author of the critically-acclaimed book series, Hack Music Theory. After decades of teaching ‘popular’ and ‘classical’ music theory, Ray created a unique crossover method for songwriting, which we call Hack Music Theory. We use this method to write all our music. Ray’s songs have even featured Serj Tankian (System of a Down), Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), Kool Keith, and many more.

►Download free music by Ray:
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Who is KATE HARMONY?
Kate is the only person on the planet who's been trained by Ray Harmony to teach his Hack Music Theory method. From 2014 to 2016, she undertook her formal teacher training, and has since become a partner and co-teacher at Hack Music Theory. Kate has a Grade 8 (the highest grade) Distinction in Popular Music Theory from the London College of Music, and is also a songwriter, producer, and recording artist.

►Download free music by Kate:
►Follow Kate on Spotify:

Music by Revolution Harmony
(c) 2018 Revolution Harmony

[francissreckofabian]

I don't recall my school music teacher giving us such fascinating lessons. If you two had been my teachers I'd be an expert (forget the fact that your combined ages would not reach my age).

[SweetSteve]

I have never seen such a simple approach at building chords..You guys are Godsent.. I have tried these hacks and INSTANTLY felt inspired! Bravo yet again.

[LLAWREN]

this is probably my most favourite video on YouTube since I started producing. you guys are personified enlightenment! :)

[LLAWREN]

I'm so grateful I came across this channel! Thank you so much for the quick, yet profound, tutorials and keep up the positive energy - your attitude and smiles go a long way :)

[themac]

The best video for chords progs esp for beginners

[Gregorovitch]

These vids are not hacks, they are things of wondrous beauty. Fabulous stuff.

[illicitgraphics]

I learned so much from this last three videos already. Thanks.

[Allplussomeminus]

0:28 Holy dang. The track playing in the background... The bass is kinda hard to follow on it's own, but when against all the other elements in the complete song, it sounds VERY GOOD... The way it wraps up each bar sounds so... Musically Interesting... Of course, with that characteristic falling ahead, hurried feeling of a polymeter.

[WhereAreTheGods]

I love how you use a DAW. Makes it so much more relatable to FL Studio users. Love the hacks...so good

[healumuz]

u two are like the angels of heavy metal education world

[rodneyontube]

You both have nailed pretty well! Cheers! Wow!

[menacerisamir]

when i was in the conservatory of music, i decided to learn the book of harmony made by Rimski-Kórsakov​ .and mostly i used to play the examples that was wrong to play, and i got good results with it ...if it sound good to my ears it is great and i do not even care if the listener like it or not.thanks for your video you are really great to share to others your knowleges.

[YURDDDIE]

I love the way you teach on this channel, thanx for doing what you do. That song at the beginning is gorgeous

[SempiternamentePisa]

omg.. the way you build chord seems to me so smooth and natural... may I say i'm a bit envy of you? (in a positive sense of course) keep it going ... i love this channel! hugs <3

[NeilKilroy]

You guys are amazing. I have been searching high and low for none boring explanations of theory. You guys hit the spot. Thank you so much .

[fluctura]

wow, I put together 3 great chord progression in 1 hour by applying all the tricks in a creative way. Awesome!

[ModernResilience]

haha I'm dying at the composing / dancing and lip syncing during these examples lol. Thanks for the tips!

[vishalshelke]

Amazing as always, very practical and what the current production needs

[SlothKami_]

Y'all are some lifesavers. Excellent content and very knowledgeable, Subscribed!

[Chadosaaan]

Awesome! I like the looming tone above everything. Pretty cool. I've been trying to keep up with all of the content, but you guys are machines. lol The "master plan" is coming along step by step, by the way. As with any master plan, there are many hurdles, but everything is moving in a positive direction.  Take care, guys!