All The Pop Songs – Part Two
You’ve already encountered the G D Em C, or ‘I V Vim IV’ chord progression and the large number of songs you can play with these chords.
There are some other ‘standard’ chord progressions that also crop up in many tunes. When you are used to playing and hearing several of these stock progressions, you will eventually be able to tell just by listening to song whether it is using one. You will also be able to improvise freely over these types of progressions because when you get used to one, you can apply the same principles to all of them. The one we’re going to look at just now is sometimes called the 50’s chord progression because it was very common in doo-wop and fifties styles – although as you’ll see from the by the extensive list of songs that use it below, it has remained a staple of pop, ballads, rock and indie music.
The chords are
| G | Em | C | D ||
Here is a range of backing tracks in different keys and styles and speeds. Pick slower ones first if you are working on chord changes or trying out new arpeggios. Pick keys you know the chords for, and while you are playing, whichever key you use, you’re aiming to also get to know the personality of this particular chord progression.
Key of G – G Em C D