2020 List of 20 Sad & Emotional Chord Progressions
If you’re looking for examples and things you an try out — here is a nice list for you:
- Am-F-Em-Am
(This distinctive progression is widely featured in the famous piece “Requiem for a Dream” by Clint Mansell. You will likely recognize it at once as you work with it!)
- C-Am-Dm-G
(This is an ubiquitous sad guitar chords progression, which is why it may sound familiar when you work with it, similar to the one above utilized by Mansell.)
- Am-Dm-Fm-C
(Minor iv chord gives this progression an edge of tension thanks to its addition towards the end of the progression.)
- Em-Bm-G-Em
(This one uses the minor vi and the minor iii. It sounds really moody, ominous and sad.
You can stay on those two chords, alternating back and forth. Or you can explore other options by adding in some major chords as well.
Some of my favorite options are resolving to the I chord or moving to the IV or V chords.)
- Fmaj7-A
(It is yet another interesting chord, using a different chord with a similar base note can dramatically steer up emotions, especially when most of your chords are on minor keys.)
- Am-C-D-Am-C-Am
(This one was actually used in the Johnny Cash cover of “Hurt”!)
- Em-G-C-Am
(IT’s an interesting progression — it can be arranged in any desired order as part of a larger composition to achieve the exact sad affect you want from the notes.
This applies to any highly recognizable and iconic chords. Mixing them around always has the chance of finding a new powerfully emotional combo you might like!)
- A-E-F#m-D-A-E
(Oh it’s a beautiful one! It’s from “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton.)
- Em-D-C-G-F#-Em
(This one creates a beautiful sense of rest. You can freestyle with a few notes to add a bit of flavor.)
- Em-G-D-C
(Some common chord progressions are just so fundamental that they are used in many different pieces of all kinds of musical styles. This is great news — it means that if you become fluent with them there are hundreds of songs you’ll be able to play relatively easily. Here is one of such progressions for you.)
You can also listen to how they all sound on this interactive page if you’re interested)
