

In these genres, chord progressions are the defining feature on which melody and rhythm are built. Chord progressions are the foundation of Western popular music styles (e.g., pop music, rock music) and traditional music (e.g., blues and jazz). Chord progressions are the foundation of harmony in Western musical tradition from the common practice era of Classical music to the 21st century. In a musical composition, a chord progression or harmonic progression is a succession of chords. The chords shown are F major, G major, and C major.


A IV–V–I progression in the key of C major.
