Open Turnaround Chord progressions Major & minor keys Get in touch Chord progressions Borrowed Chords Major key, one chord from somewhere else
A major-key progression with one chord taken from outside the key — most often the minor iv, the ♭VII, or a dominant on the I. The borrowed chord is the event: everything around it is diatonic, so the ear hears exactly one moment of colour and remembers the song by it.
The chords, in every key Every progression below moves together, so the comparison stays honest.
What actually differs Each of these borrows a different chord, and the choice is the sound. The mixolydian vamp takes ♭VII, flattening the leading tone so the progression stops pulling toward the tonic and starts rocking in place. The soul progression moves IV to iv — the same chord major then minor, one note lower — which is the most efficient sad turn in pop music because only one voice moves. Creep does something rarer: a MAJOR III where the key wants a minor iii, which raises a note rather than lowering one and is why it sounds like a lift and a wince at once. The gospel climb borrows nothing from minor at all — it makes the I itself a dominant seventh, which turns the tonic into a chord that has to move, and pushes it to the IV. The city-pop loop leans on III7 the same way but resolves it into a vi, so the borrowed chord functions as a secondary dominant rather than as pure colour.
All 5 in this family Mixolydian Vamp I – ♭VII – IV
Rock major 3 bars
Classic-rock riffing (Sweet Home / Sympathy vibe). The ♭VII gives a bluesy, modal lift.
Mixolydian Vamp in C major Bar Chord Numeral 1 C I 2 Bb ♭VII 3 F IV
What to play over it In C major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
C Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes C D E F G A B♭
Home base. The ♭VII chord flattens the key's 7th, so the home scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 3
F Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes F G A B C D E
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in C major · The key of C major
Mixolydian Vamp in Db major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Db I 2 Cb ♭VII 3 Gb IV
What to play over it In Db major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
Db Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C♭
Home base. The ♭VII chord flattens the key's 7th, so the home scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 3
Gb Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes G♭ A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in Db major · The key of Db major
Mixolydian Vamp in D major Bar Chord Numeral 1 D I 2 C ♭VII 3 G IV
What to play over it In D major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
D Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes D E F♯ G A B C
Home base. The ♭VII chord flattens the key's 7th, so the home scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 3
G Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes G A B C♯ D E F♯
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in D major · The key of D major
Mixolydian Vamp in Eb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Eb I 2 Db ♭VII 3 Ab IV
What to play over it In Eb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
Eb Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C D♭
Home base. The ♭VII chord flattens the key's 7th, so the home scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 3
Ab Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes A♭ B♭ C D E♭ F G
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in Eb major · The key of Eb major
Mixolydian Vamp in E major Bar Chord Numeral 1 E I 2 D ♭VII 3 A IV
What to play over it In E major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
E Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D
Home base. The ♭VII chord flattens the key's 7th, so the home scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 3
A Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes A B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in E major · The key of E major
Mixolydian Vamp in F major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F I 2 Eb ♭VII 3 Bb IV
What to play over it In F major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
F Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes F G A B♭ C D E♭
Home base. The ♭VII chord flattens the key's 7th, so the home scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 3
Bb Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes B♭ C D E F G A
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in F major · The key of F major
Mixolydian Vamp in F# major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F# I 2 E ♭VII 3 B IV
What to play over it In F# major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
F# Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E
Home base. The ♭VII chord flattens the key's 7th, so the home scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 3
B Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes B C♯ D♯ E♯ F♯ G♯ A♯
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in F# major · The key of F# major
Mixolydian Vamp in G major Bar Chord Numeral 1 G I 2 F ♭VII 3 C IV
What to play over it In G major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
G Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes G A B C D E F
Home base. The ♭VII chord flattens the key's 7th, so the home scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 3
C Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes C D E F♯ G A B
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in G major · The key of G major
Mixolydian Vamp in Ab major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Ab I 2 Gb ♭VII 3 Db IV
What to play over it In Ab major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
Ab Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G♭
Home base. The ♭VII chord flattens the key's 7th, so the home scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 3
Db Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes D♭ E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in Ab major · The key of Ab major
Mixolydian Vamp in A major Bar Chord Numeral 1 A I 2 G ♭VII 3 D IV
What to play over it In A major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
A Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes A B C♯ D E F♯ G
Home base. The ♭VII chord flattens the key's 7th, so the home scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 3
D Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes D E F♯ G♯ A B C♯
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in A major · The key of A major
Mixolydian Vamp in Bb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bb I 2 Ab ♭VII 3 Eb IV
What to play over it In Bb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
Bb Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes B♭ C D E♭ F G A♭
Home base. The ♭VII chord flattens the key's 7th, so the home scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 3
Eb Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes E♭ F G A B♭ C D
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in Bb major · The key of Bb major
Mixolydian Vamp in B major Bar Chord Numeral 1 B I 2 A ♭VII 3 E IV
What to play over it In B major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
B Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A
Home base. The ♭VII chord flattens the key's 7th, so the home scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 3
E Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes E F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in B major · The key of B major
Documented in the wild Sweet Home Alabama Lynyrd Skynyrd Sympathy for the Devil The Rolling Stones Werewolves of London Warren Zevon Play it in Turnaround · The key of C major
Soul Climb I – iii – IV – iv
R&B / Soul major 4 bars
The bittersweet minor-iv borrowed chord, classic soul and Beatles-y melancholy.
Soul Climb in C major Bar Chord Numeral 1 C I 2 Em iii 3 F IV 4 Fm iv
What to play over it In C major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–3
C Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes C D E F G A B
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 4
F Dorian minor with a natural 6th Notes F G A♭ B♭ C D E♭
Borrowed from the parallel minor. Only one note is new, which is why it shades the key rather than leaving it.
Chord-Scale Reference §5
Play it in C major · The key of C major
Soul Climb in Db major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Db I 2 Fm iii 3 Gb IV 4 Gbm iv
What to play over it In Db major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–3
Db Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 4
Gb Dorian minor with a natural 6th Notes G♭ A♭ B♭♭ C♭ D♭ E♭ F♭
Borrowed from the parallel minor. Only one note is new, which is why it shades the key rather than leaving it.
Chord-Scale Reference §5
Play it in Db major · The key of Db major
Soul Climb in D major Bar Chord Numeral 1 D I 2 F#m iii 3 G IV 4 Gm iv
What to play over it In D major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–3
D Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D E F♯ G A B C♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 4
G Dorian minor with a natural 6th Notes G A B♭ C D E F
Borrowed from the parallel minor. Only one note is new, which is why it shades the key rather than leaving it.
Chord-Scale Reference §5
Play it in D major · The key of D major
Soul Climb in Eb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Eb I 2 Gm iii 3 Ab IV 4 Abm iv
What to play over it In Eb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–3
Eb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C D
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 4
Ab Dorian minor with a natural 6th Notes A♭ B♭ C♭ D♭ E♭ F G♭
Borrowed from the parallel minor. Only one note is new, which is why it shades the key rather than leaving it.
Chord-Scale Reference §5
Play it in Eb major · The key of Eb major
Soul Climb in E major Bar Chord Numeral 1 E I 2 G#m iii 3 A IV 4 Am iv
What to play over it In E major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–3
E Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 4
A Dorian minor with a natural 6th Notes A B C D E F♯ G
Borrowed from the parallel minor. Only one note is new, which is why it shades the key rather than leaving it.
Chord-Scale Reference §5
Play it in E major · The key of E major
Soul Climb in F major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F I 2 Am iii 3 Bb IV 4 Bbm iv
What to play over it In F major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–3
F Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F G A B♭ C D E
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 4
Bb Dorian minor with a natural 6th Notes B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G A♭
Borrowed from the parallel minor. Only one note is new, which is why it shades the key rather than leaving it.
Chord-Scale Reference §5
Play it in F major · The key of F major
Soul Climb in F# major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F# I 2 A#m iii 3 B IV 4 Bm iv
What to play over it In F# major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–3
F# Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 4
B Dorian minor with a natural 6th Notes B C♯ D E F♯ G♯ A
Borrowed from the parallel minor. Only one note is new, which is why it shades the key rather than leaving it.
Chord-Scale Reference §5
Play it in F# major · The key of F# major
Soul Climb in G major Bar Chord Numeral 1 G I 2 Bm iii 3 C IV 4 Cm iv
What to play over it In G major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–3
G Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes G A B C D E F♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 4
C Dorian minor with a natural 6th Notes C D E♭ F G A B♭
Borrowed from the parallel minor. Only one note is new, which is why it shades the key rather than leaving it.
Chord-Scale Reference §5
Play it in G major · The key of G major
Soul Climb in Ab major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Ab I 2 Cm iii 3 Db IV 4 Dbm iv
What to play over it In Ab major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–3
Ab Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 4
Db Dorian minor with a natural 6th Notes D♭ E♭ F♭ G♭ A♭ B♭ C♭
Borrowed from the parallel minor. Only one note is new, which is why it shades the key rather than leaving it.
Chord-Scale Reference §5
Play it in Ab major · The key of Ab major
Soul Climb in A major Bar Chord Numeral 1 A I 2 C#m iii 3 D IV 4 Dm iv
What to play over it In A major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–3
A Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A B C♯ D E F♯ G♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 4
D Dorian minor with a natural 6th Notes D E F G A B C
Borrowed from the parallel minor. Only one note is new, which is why it shades the key rather than leaving it.
Chord-Scale Reference §5
Play it in A major · The key of A major
Soul Climb in Bb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bb I 2 Dm iii 3 Eb IV 4 Ebm iv
What to play over it In Bb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–3
Bb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B♭ C D E♭ F G A
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 4
Eb Dorian minor with a natural 6th Notes E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C D♭
Borrowed from the parallel minor. Only one note is new, which is why it shades the key rather than leaving it.
Chord-Scale Reference §5
Play it in Bb major · The key of Bb major
Soul Climb in B major Bar Chord Numeral 1 B I 2 D#m iii 3 E IV 4 Em iv
What to play over it In B major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–3
B Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 4
E Dorian minor with a natural 6th Notes E F♯ G A B C♯ D
Borrowed from the parallel minor. Only one note is new, which is why it shades the key rather than leaving it.
Chord-Scale Reference §5
Play it in B major · The key of B major
Documented in the wild In My Life The Beatles Nowhere Man The Beatles Play it in Turnaround · The key of C major
Creep Changes I – III – IV – iv
Alt / Indie major 4 bars
The Radiohead 'Creep' loop, a major III that shouldn't work, into a heartbreaking minor iv.
Creep Changes in C major Bar Chord Numeral 1 C I 2 E III 3 F IV 4 Fm iv
What to play over it In C major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bar 2 — two ways to hear it This chord can be heard two ways and each way wants a different scale. Neither is more correct. Pick the sound you want.
E Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes E F G♯ A B C D
Hear it leaning toward the vi chord, even though the song never goes there. The darker, tenser one.
Chord-Scale Reference §4 / §9.2
or
E Ionian the plain major scale Notes E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D♯
Hear it as its own home for a bar — a bright step outside the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §9.2
The other bars
Bars 1, 3
C Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes C D E F G A B
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 4
F Dorian minor with a natural 6th Notes F G A♭ B♭ C D E♭
Borrowed from the parallel minor. Only one note is new, which is why it shades the key rather than leaving it.
Chord-Scale Reference §5
Play it in C major · The key of C major
Creep Changes in Db major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Db I 2 F III 3 Gb IV 4 Gbm iv
What to play over it In Db major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bar 2 — two ways to hear it This chord can be heard two ways and each way wants a different scale. Neither is more correct. Pick the sound you want.
F Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes F G♭ A B♭ C D♭ E♭
Hear it leaning toward the vi chord, even though the song never goes there. The darker, tenser one.
Chord-Scale Reference §4 / §9.2
or
F Ionian the plain major scale Notes F G A B♭ C D E
Hear it as its own home for a bar — a bright step outside the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §9.2
The other bars
Bars 1, 3
Db Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 4
Gb Dorian minor with a natural 6th Notes G♭ A♭ B♭♭ C♭ D♭ E♭ F♭
Borrowed from the parallel minor. Only one note is new, which is why it shades the key rather than leaving it.
Chord-Scale Reference §5
Play it in Db major · The key of Db major
Creep Changes in D major Bar Chord Numeral 1 D I 2 F# III 3 G IV 4 Gm iv
What to play over it In D major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bar 2 — two ways to hear it This chord can be heard two ways and each way wants a different scale. Neither is more correct. Pick the sound you want.
F# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes F♯ G A♯ B C♯ D E
Hear it leaning toward the vi chord, even though the song never goes there. The darker, tenser one.
Chord-Scale Reference §4 / §9.2
or
F# Ionian the plain major scale Notes F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E♯
Hear it as its own home for a bar — a bright step outside the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §9.2
The other bars
Bars 1, 3
D Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D E F♯ G A B C♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 4
G Dorian minor with a natural 6th Notes G A B♭ C D E F
Borrowed from the parallel minor. Only one note is new, which is why it shades the key rather than leaving it.
Chord-Scale Reference §5
Play it in D major · The key of D major
Creep Changes in Eb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Eb I 2 G III 3 Ab IV 4 Abm iv
What to play over it In Eb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bar 2 — two ways to hear it This chord can be heard two ways and each way wants a different scale. Neither is more correct. Pick the sound you want.
G Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes G A♭ B C D E♭ F
Hear it leaning toward the vi chord, even though the song never goes there. The darker, tenser one.
Chord-Scale Reference §4 / §9.2
or
G Ionian the plain major scale Notes G A B C D E F♯
Hear it as its own home for a bar — a bright step outside the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §9.2
The other bars
Bars 1, 3
Eb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C D
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 4
Ab Dorian minor with a natural 6th Notes A♭ B♭ C♭ D♭ E♭ F G♭
Borrowed from the parallel minor. Only one note is new, which is why it shades the key rather than leaving it.
Chord-Scale Reference §5
Play it in Eb major · The key of Eb major
Creep Changes in E major Bar Chord Numeral 1 E I 2 G# III 3 A IV 4 Am iv
What to play over it In E major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bar 2 — two ways to hear it This chord can be heard two ways and each way wants a different scale. Neither is more correct. Pick the sound you want.
G# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes G♯ A B♯ C♯ D♯ E F♯
Hear it leaning toward the vi chord, even though the song never goes there. The darker, tenser one.
Chord-Scale Reference §4 / §9.2
or
G# Ionian the plain major scale Notes G♯ A♯ B♯ C♯ D♯ E♯ F♯♯
Hear it as its own home for a bar — a bright step outside the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §9.2
The other bars
Bars 1, 3
E Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 4
A Dorian minor with a natural 6th Notes A B C D E F♯ G
Borrowed from the parallel minor. Only one note is new, which is why it shades the key rather than leaving it.
Chord-Scale Reference §5
Play it in E major · The key of E major
Creep Changes in F major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F I 2 A III 3 Bb IV 4 Bbm iv
What to play over it In F major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bar 2 — two ways to hear it This chord can be heard two ways and each way wants a different scale. Neither is more correct. Pick the sound you want.
A Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes A B♭ C♯ D E F G
Hear it leaning toward the vi chord, even though the song never goes there. The darker, tenser one.
Chord-Scale Reference §4 / §9.2
or
A Ionian the plain major scale Notes A B C♯ D E F♯ G♯
Hear it as its own home for a bar — a bright step outside the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §9.2
The other bars
Bars 1, 3
F Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F G A B♭ C D E
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 4
Bb Dorian minor with a natural 6th Notes B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G A♭
Borrowed from the parallel minor. Only one note is new, which is why it shades the key rather than leaving it.
Chord-Scale Reference §5
Play it in F major · The key of F major
Creep Changes in F# major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F# I 2 A# III 3 B IV 4 Bm iv
What to play over it In F# major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bar 2 — two ways to hear it This chord can be heard two ways and each way wants a different scale. Neither is more correct. Pick the sound you want.
A# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes A♯ B C♯♯ D♯ E♯ F♯ G♯
Hear it leaning toward the vi chord, even though the song never goes there. The darker, tenser one.
Chord-Scale Reference §4 / §9.2
or
A# Ionian the plain major scale Notes A♯ B♯ C♯♯ D♯ E♯ F♯♯ G♯♯
Hear it as its own home for a bar — a bright step outside the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §9.2
The other bars
Bars 1, 3
F# Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 4
B Dorian minor with a natural 6th Notes B C♯ D E F♯ G♯ A
Borrowed from the parallel minor. Only one note is new, which is why it shades the key rather than leaving it.
Chord-Scale Reference §5
Play it in F# major · The key of F# major
Creep Changes in G major Bar Chord Numeral 1 G I 2 B III 3 C IV 4 Cm iv
What to play over it In G major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bar 2 — two ways to hear it This chord can be heard two ways and each way wants a different scale. Neither is more correct. Pick the sound you want.
B Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes B C D♯ E F♯ G A
Hear it leaning toward the vi chord, even though the song never goes there. The darker, tenser one.
Chord-Scale Reference §4 / §9.2
or
B Ionian the plain major scale Notes B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A♯
Hear it as its own home for a bar — a bright step outside the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §9.2
The other bars
Bars 1, 3
G Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes G A B C D E F♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 4
C Dorian minor with a natural 6th Notes C D E♭ F G A B♭
Borrowed from the parallel minor. Only one note is new, which is why it shades the key rather than leaving it.
Chord-Scale Reference §5
Play it in G major · The key of G major
Creep Changes in Ab major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Ab I 2 C III 3 Db IV 4 Dbm iv
What to play over it In Ab major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bar 2 — two ways to hear it This chord can be heard two ways and each way wants a different scale. Neither is more correct. Pick the sound you want.
C Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes C D♭ E F G A♭ B♭
Hear it leaning toward the vi chord, even though the song never goes there. The darker, tenser one.
Chord-Scale Reference §4 / §9.2
or
C Ionian the plain major scale Notes C D E F G A B
Hear it as its own home for a bar — a bright step outside the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §9.2
The other bars
Bars 1, 3
Ab Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 4
Db Dorian minor with a natural 6th Notes D♭ E♭ F♭ G♭ A♭ B♭ C♭
Borrowed from the parallel minor. Only one note is new, which is why it shades the key rather than leaving it.
Chord-Scale Reference §5
Play it in Ab major · The key of Ab major
Creep Changes in A major Bar Chord Numeral 1 A I 2 C# III 3 D IV 4 Dm iv
What to play over it In A major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bar 2 — two ways to hear it This chord can be heard two ways and each way wants a different scale. Neither is more correct. Pick the sound you want.
C# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes C♯ D E♯ F♯ G♯ A B
Hear it leaning toward the vi chord, even though the song never goes there. The darker, tenser one.
Chord-Scale Reference §4 / §9.2
or
C# Ionian the plain major scale Notes C♯ D♯ E♯ F♯ G♯ A♯ B♯
Hear it as its own home for a bar — a bright step outside the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §9.2
The other bars
Bars 1, 3
A Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A B C♯ D E F♯ G♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 4
D Dorian minor with a natural 6th Notes D E F G A B C
Borrowed from the parallel minor. Only one note is new, which is why it shades the key rather than leaving it.
Chord-Scale Reference §5
Play it in A major · The key of A major
Creep Changes in Bb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bb I 2 D III 3 Eb IV 4 Ebm iv
What to play over it In Bb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bar 2 — two ways to hear it This chord can be heard two ways and each way wants a different scale. Neither is more correct. Pick the sound you want.
D Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes D E♭ F♯ G A B♭ C
Hear it leaning toward the vi chord, even though the song never goes there. The darker, tenser one.
Chord-Scale Reference §4 / §9.2
or
D Ionian the plain major scale Notes D E F♯ G A B C♯
Hear it as its own home for a bar — a bright step outside the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §9.2
The other bars
Bars 1, 3
Bb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B♭ C D E♭ F G A
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 4
Eb Dorian minor with a natural 6th Notes E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C D♭
Borrowed from the parallel minor. Only one note is new, which is why it shades the key rather than leaving it.
Chord-Scale Reference §5
Play it in Bb major · The key of Bb major
Creep Changes in B major Bar Chord Numeral 1 B I 2 D# III 3 E IV 4 Em iv
What to play over it In B major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bar 2 — two ways to hear it This chord can be heard two ways and each way wants a different scale. Neither is more correct. Pick the sound you want.
D# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes D♯ E F♯♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯
Hear it leaning toward the vi chord, even though the song never goes there. The darker, tenser one.
Chord-Scale Reference §4 / §9.2
or
D# Ionian the plain major scale Notes D♯ E♯ F♯♯ G♯ A♯ B♯ C♯♯
Hear it as its own home for a bar — a bright step outside the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §9.2
The other bars
Bars 1, 3
B Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 4
E Dorian minor with a natural 6th Notes E F♯ G A B C♯ D
Borrowed from the parallel minor. Only one note is new, which is why it shades the key rather than leaving it.
Chord-Scale Reference §5
Play it in B major · The key of B major
Documented in the wild Creep Radiohead The Air That I Breathe The Hollies Play it in Turnaround · The key of C major
Gospel Move I – I7 – IV – I
R&B / Soul major 4 bars
Church-honed motion: the I7 pushes out to IV, then settles back home.
Gospel Move in C major Bar Chord Numeral 1 C I 2 C7 I7 3 F IV 4 C I
What to play over it In C major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
C Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes C D E F G A B
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 2
C Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes C D E F G A B♭
This chord points at the next one. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in C major · The key of C major
Gospel Move in Db major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Db I 2 Db7 I7 3 Gb IV 4 Db I
What to play over it In Db major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
Db Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 2
Db Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C♭
This chord points at the next one. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in Db major · The key of Db major
Gospel Move in D major Bar Chord Numeral 1 D I 2 D7 I7 3 G IV 4 D I
What to play over it In D major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
D Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D E F♯ G A B C♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 2
D Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes D E F♯ G A B C
This chord points at the next one. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in D major · The key of D major
Gospel Move in Eb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Eb I 2 Eb7 I7 3 Ab IV 4 Eb I
What to play over it In Eb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
Eb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C D
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 2
Eb Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C D♭
This chord points at the next one. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in Eb major · The key of Eb major
Gospel Move in E major Bar Chord Numeral 1 E I 2 E7 I7 3 A IV 4 E I
What to play over it In E major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
E Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 2
E Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D
This chord points at the next one. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in E major · The key of E major
Gospel Move in F major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F I 2 F7 I7 3 Bb IV 4 F I
What to play over it In F major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
F Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F G A B♭ C D E
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 2
F Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes F G A B♭ C D E♭
This chord points at the next one. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in F major · The key of F major
Gospel Move in F# major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F# I 2 F#7 I7 3 B IV 4 F# I
What to play over it In F# major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
F# Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 2
F# Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E
This chord points at the next one. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in F# major · The key of F# major
Gospel Move in G major Bar Chord Numeral 1 G I 2 G7 I7 3 C IV 4 G I
What to play over it In G major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
G Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes G A B C D E F♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 2
G Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes G A B C D E F
This chord points at the next one. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in G major · The key of G major
Gospel Move in Ab major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Ab I 2 Ab7 I7 3 Db IV 4 Ab I
What to play over it In Ab major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
Ab Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 2
Ab Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G♭
This chord points at the next one. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in Ab major · The key of Ab major
Gospel Move in A major Bar Chord Numeral 1 A I 2 A7 I7 3 D IV 4 A I
What to play over it In A major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
A Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A B C♯ D E F♯ G♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 2
A Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes A B C♯ D E F♯ G
This chord points at the next one. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in A major · The key of A major
Gospel Move in Bb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bb I 2 Bb7 I7 3 Eb IV 4 Bb I
What to play over it In Bb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
Bb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B♭ C D E♭ F G A
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 2
Bb Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes B♭ C D E♭ F G A♭
This chord points at the next one. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in Bb major · The key of Bb major
Gospel Move in B major Bar Chord Numeral 1 B I 2 B7 I7 3 E IV 4 B I
What to play over it In B major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
B Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 2
B Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A
This chord points at the next one. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in B major · The key of B major
Documented in the wild Amazing Grace traditional I'll Fly Away traditional gospel Play it in Turnaround · The key of C major
City Pop IVΔ7 – III7 – vi7 – V7
Pop major 4 bars
Glossy Tokyo-night changes, a secondary dominant III7 pulls hard into the relative minor.
City Pop in C major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Fmaj7 IVΔ7 2 E7 III7 3 Am7 vi7 4 G7 V7
What to play over it In C major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
F Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes F G A B C D E
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bar 2
E Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes E F G♯ A B C D
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in C major · The key of C major
City Pop in Db major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Gbmaj7 IVΔ7 2 F7 III7 3 Bbm7 vi7 4 Ab7 V7
What to play over it In Db major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
Gb Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes G♭ A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bar 2
F Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes F G♭ A B♭ C D♭ E♭
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in Db major · The key of Db major
City Pop in D major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Gmaj7 IVΔ7 2 F#7 III7 3 Bm7 vi7 4 A7 V7
What to play over it In D major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
G Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes G A B C♯ D E F♯
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bar 2
F# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes F♯ G A♯ B C♯ D E
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in D major · The key of D major
City Pop in Eb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Abmaj7 IVΔ7 2 G7 III7 3 Cm7 vi7 4 Bb7 V7
What to play over it In Eb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
Ab Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes A♭ B♭ C D E♭ F G
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bar 2
G Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes G A♭ B C D E♭ F
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in Eb major · The key of Eb major
City Pop in E major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Amaj7 IVΔ7 2 G#7 III7 3 C#m7 vi7 4 B7 V7
What to play over it In E major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
A Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes A B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bar 2
G# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes G♯ A B♯ C♯ D♯ E F♯
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in E major · The key of E major
City Pop in F major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bbmaj7 IVΔ7 2 A7 III7 3 Dm7 vi7 4 C7 V7
What to play over it In F major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
Bb Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes B♭ C D E F G A
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bar 2
A Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes A B♭ C♯ D E F G
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in F major · The key of F major
City Pop in F# major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bmaj7 IVΔ7 2 A#7 III7 3 D#m7 vi7 4 C#7 V7
What to play over it In F# major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
B Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes B C♯ D♯ E♯ F♯ G♯ A♯
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bar 2
A# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes A♯ B C♯♯ D♯ E♯ F♯ G♯
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in F# major · The key of F# major
City Pop in G major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Cmaj7 IVΔ7 2 B7 III7 3 Em7 vi7 4 D7 V7
What to play over it In G major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
C Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes C D E F♯ G A B
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bar 2
B Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes B C D♯ E F♯ G A
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in G major · The key of G major
City Pop in Ab major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Dbmaj7 IVΔ7 2 C7 III7 3 Fm7 vi7 4 Eb7 V7
What to play over it In Ab major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
Db Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes D♭ E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bar 2
C Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes C D♭ E F G A♭ B♭
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in Ab major · The key of Ab major
City Pop in A major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Dmaj7 IVΔ7 2 C#7 III7 3 F#m7 vi7 4 E7 V7
What to play over it In A major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
D Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes D E F♯ G♯ A B C♯
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bar 2
C# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes C♯ D E♯ F♯ G♯ A B
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in A major · The key of A major
City Pop in Bb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Ebmaj7 IVΔ7 2 D7 III7 3 Gm7 vi7 4 F7 V7
What to play over it In Bb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
Eb Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes E♭ F G A B♭ C D
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bar 2
D Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes D E♭ F♯ G A B♭ C
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in Bb major · The key of Bb major
City Pop in B major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Emaj7 IVΔ7 2 D#7 III7 3 G#m7 vi7 4 F#7 V7
What to play over it In B major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
E Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes E F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bar 2
D# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes D♯ E F♯♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in B major · The key of B major
Documented in the wild Just the Two of Us Grover Washington Jr. & Bill Withers Stay With Me Miki Matsubara Play it in Turnaround · The key of C major