Are you repeating edm chord progressions within your songs?
Today, with Sidenoize, we are going to make a review of the most catchy and memorable chord progressions, but also provide some sort of guide and tips to help you create your own. Electronic Dance Music is one of those genres that truly runs on energy, emotion, and creativity. As much as beats and drops steal the show, chord progressions lay down the founding stone for many tracks that seal their impact.
These progressions are the backbone of melodies that make listeners feel euphoric, nostalgic, or deeply connected to the music. Let's take a look at seven of the most common chord progressions EDM is built upon, its character, its use, and some examples of popular tracks using them.
Best edm chord progressions for edm
I–V–vi–IV (C–G–Am–F)
Why It Works:
Arguably the most famous edm chord progressions in all genres of music, from pop to rock to EDM, provides a balance of uplifting and emotive overtones. The tonic (I) establishes stability, the V adds tension, the vi brings in a touch of melancholy, and the IV resolves it with warmth.
Track Example: "Wake Me Up" by Avicii
In this progressive house anthem, Avicii married the I–V–vi–IV progression together with folk-influenced melodies and driving beats. The outcome is uplifting, yet emotionally complex-both at the same time-the song reverberating across the world.
Genres: Progressive house, pop-EDM hybrids, future bass.
vi–IV–I–V Am–F–C–G
Why It Works:
Starting with the vi, minor chord, gives this progression an immediately melancholy or longing feeling. The IV then brightens this up, resolving into the tonic for resolution and the V for tension. This pattern will work out perfectly for emotional build-ups and breakdowns.
Track Example: "Clarity" by Zedd ft. Foxes
This Grammy-winning track is based on a vi-IV-I-V progression in its verses, thus taking on a very emotional and dramatic nature, perfect for Foxes' passionate vocals.
Genres: Trance, melodic dubstep, progressive house.
I-vi-IV-V (C-Am-F-G)
Why It Works:
The nostalgic character of this edm chord progression-as frequent in older pop music but now with complex synths and basslines in EDM-makes it simple and emotionally engaging at the same time, because one finds it great for tracks with singable melodies or anthemic choruses.
Track Example: "Stay" by Kygo ft. Maty Noyes
This tropical house hit employs the I–vi–IV–V progression for an uplifting/bittersweet balancing of tones, complete with lush production and heartfelt lyrics.
Genres: Tropical house, chill house, vocal-driven EDM.
I–IV–V–IV (C–F–G–F)
Why It Works:
This creates a looping, hypnotic effect that's well-suited to those tracks with repetitive hooks. The progression is versatile and works both in high-energy and laid-back tracks. The resolution is satisfyingly cyclical due to this movement between the tonic I, the subdominant IV, and dominant V.
Example Track: "Lean On" by Major Lazer & DJ Snake ft. MØ
The main edm chord progressions in "Lean On" moves through this kind of format, sprinkling a mix of organic and electronic textures over the bar that rewards forward listening.
Genres: Tropical house, deep house, festival anthems.
I–V–vi–iii–IV C–G–Am–Em–F
Why It Works:
This is another, more complex variation adding in the iii chord for a more cascading, emotive feel. Minor chords lend depth to it; it is an essential in many tracks and can show how tension and release work together.
Track Example: "Silhouettes" by Avicii
This chord progression finds Avicii at his melodic best, working in that iii chord into a rich, uplifting arrangement. This layering of harmony is the reason why this track reaches such euphoric breakdowns.
Genres: Progressive house, trance, future house.
vi–I–V–IV (Am–C–G–F)
Why It Works:
This is a moody and introspective progression, which starts with the vi chord. Then, when it resolves into the I chord, there's a sense of hope and resolution. When combined with this, emotional build-ups into euphoric drops is created.
Example Track: "Shelter" by Porter Robinson & Madeon
This track takes said progression and applies it in conjunction with the vi–I–V–IV, along with some very heartfelt lyrics, to create an anthemic production that complements the emotional storytelling.
Genres: Melodic dubstep, future bass, progressive house.
ii–IV–I–V (Dm–F–C–G)
Why It Works:
Starting on the ii chord introduces tension immediately, offering instant emotional depth. The IV–I–V progression gets a satisfying resolution to the melody, which can often feel introspective and thus is a favorite for more chilled or atmospheric EDM styles.
Track Example: "Sun & Moon" by Above & Beyond ft. Richard Bedford
Above & Beyond utilize the ii–IV–I–V progression to great effect here, crafting a deeply emotional and uplifting trance anthem that tugs at the heartstrings.
Genres: Trance, chillwave, deep house.
Chord progressions generator
Scaler 2 is the go-to VST when it comes to inspiring and crafting chord progressions. That's why it's such an important tool for music producers at any level.
You'll find an intuitive interface that gets you exploring chords and their progressions, even if your music theory is a little sketchy. scaler 2 provides you with an enormous library of styles, scales, and chord presets, which you can seamlessly use in your compositions. It also analyzes existing music and suggests suitable chords, melodies, or even basslines.
Dynamic playback features, arpeggios, and MIDI support turn Scaler 2 into a creative workhorse on composing everything from simple progressions to intricate musical arrangements.
Why These EDM Chord Progressions Are So Effective ?
Emotional Connection
Every progression has an inherent emotional signature. From the nostalgic pull of I-V-vi-IV to the bittersweet melancholy of vi-IV-I-V, these patterns tap into basic emotions common to the human experience and therefore to the listener.
Versatility Across Genres
While these progressions find their home base in EDM, they are in no way limited to a single genre. The same progression can sound entirely different depending on its arrangement, instrumentation, and tempo.
Ease of Layering
When it comes to EDM production, layering is key. Such edm chord progressions would provide a harmonic backbone to which leads, basslines, and counter-melodies can be added to fit together harmonically.
Memorability
Repetition is the hallmark of EDM, and progressions have an inherently catchy quality to them. Merged with hooks and drops, they form a track that will be stuck in listeners' heads long after the song is over.
Tips for Using These Progressions within Your Tracks
Try Inversions:
This changing order of the notes within a chord can produce variety and tension. For example, a C major chord could be played as G–C–E instead of C–E–G for a second inversion.
Add Suspensions and Extensions:
Adding chords such as Csus2 or Fmaj7 into a standard edm chord progressions can add depth.
Play with Rhythm and Arpeggiation:
Syncopating chords or breaking them into arpeggios can completely change their feel.
Key Changes:
Modulating to a different key for your breakdown or final drop can give your progression a fresh twist.
Layer with Unique Textures:
Use pads, plucks, even orchestral strings. The way you voice and layer chords matters just as much as the progression itself.
Final Thoughts
These seven chord progressions have stood the test of time in EDM, and helped producers create tracks that emotionally connect with their audiences. Whether one's aim is an introspective vibe or a high-energy festival anthem, or somewhere in between, these can be your creative foundation.
The magic in EDM will come with familiarity versus innovation. Take one of these progressions as your starting point, but feel free to experiment and break the rules. After all, that's what makes music truly memorable.
Check our list of best free vst plugins to level up your music production.