Unconventional Chord Progressions That Capture Attention and Enhance Musicality

Music is a language that transcends boundaries, and successful musicians often find ways to break the rules in order to create memorable and impactful songs. This is particularly true when it comes to chord progressions. Some unexpected chord changes, such as the bVI chord in a major key, can make a song feel unique and powerful.

Blues and Departures: A Unique Example

Take a song like "Listen Until You Remember You’re Mine" by the Darrell Trucks Band. The chord progression from D to F to Ab is both unexpected and masterful. Despite its unconventional nature, it still fits seamlessly into a blues framework, albeit without the typical blues progression. This example demonstrates that if a chord progression sounds good, it is good, regardless of its adherence to conventions.

Unorthodox Progressions and Their Impact

Chris Cornell’s "Euphoria Morning" album features a variety of chord changes that are particularly striking. Many of these songs incorporate more than 20-30 chords, which can be daunting, but Cornell’s vocal melodies and lyrics elevate these complex arrangements. This shows that while originality is not always necessary, the unexpected chord can significantly enhance a song’s impact.

The bVI Chord: A Lifter and a Transformer

The bVI chord, often used in major keys, can contribute to a sense of uplift or thoughtfulness. It can be followed by a V - I progression, a ii - V - I progression, or just linger for an emotional impact. Another variation that works well is the bVI - I - bVI - I alternation. This chord can also blend seamlessly with the common iv chord in the bVI - iv - I sequence.

An example of the bVI chord can be found in the Eagles' song "Wasted Time." When used in an ascending sequence, such as bVI - bVII - I, it often serves as a profound or triumphant ending. This usage can be heard in Elton John's "Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me." However, it's important to ensure that such a progression is used tastefully and not overplayed.

The Beatles: Innovation and Influence

The Beatles are a notorious example of artists who revolutionized music with their unconventional chord progressions. Their music transcended simple diatonic conventions and opened new avenues for other bands. Even so, the typical chord progressions heard in mainstream music, as revealed by studies of Billboard charts, still largely follow diatonic patterns.

One of my favorite chord progressions can be found at the start of The Beatles' "If I Fell." The progression Em → D → D → Bm is both innovative and captivating. Although D feels like the tonic, it can also be presented as ii → II → I → vi. This progression, reminiscent of chromatic movements often found in film soundtracks, provides a sense of epic and fantastic storytelling. A similar chromatic movement can be found in the soundtrack of the film 'Inception' in the piece 'Dream Is Collapsing.' The chords here are i → I, or VII → VI → IV or III in G minor, represented as Gm → F → E → B, which modulates to C minor with Cm → B → A → E.

Conclusion

Champions of unconventional chord progressions often defy conventional wisdom and break rules to create unique and memorable music. Whether it’s the bVI chord in "If I Fell," the intricate progressions in "Euphoria Morning," or the unexpected transitions in "Listen Until You Remember You’re Mine," these chord progressions can capture your attention and enhance the overall musical experience. Embrace the unexpected and let your creativity guide you!