What if you could change any famous chord progression upside down and into your own with just one technique? What if you could turn a happy song into a depressing one or a sad song into an overly happy one?
Introduction
It’s safe to say that everybody knows the four-chord song. Right? If you don’t have a listen to Let It Be by The Beatles and you’re all up to speed.
But have you ever heard a strangely depressed version? By flipping the chords in the chord progression you can almost make it sound like Radiohead. Or something alternative and experimental.
Let’s explore a fun way to create fresh and surprising chord progressions that can shake up your songwriting.
Watch the YouTube tutorial
The Revelation of Flipping Chords
Changing a Normal Two-Chord Progression
While experimenting with a regular two-chord progression, I asked myself: how can I completely shake up this progression without too much effort? The answer is simple: switch all major chords to minor and vice versa.
This little tweak can have a big impact on your melodies and harmonies, transforming familiar progressions into something unexpected.
Here’s an example:
Instead of going from C major to E minor
Flip the chords from C minor to E major
It’s not the most revolutionary idea ever but the results can be amazing. You might even create the most melancholy version of a four-chord song ever. Which… gives me an idea!
Flipping a Regular Four-Chord Progression
Let’s try this technique on a standard chord progression that could work as a verse. The original progression is: E minor → A major → B minor → D major
By switching all the major chords to minor and minor chords to major we get this:
When you play these progressions back-to-back, they might sound a bit strange at first. However, a good melody can glue the sections together, creating a unique song or composition.
The Famous Four-Chord Song, Reimagined
Here are the chords to the classical four chord song in C major: C major → G major → A minor → F major.
Now let’s flip these chords!
Why not make all the chords minor, you ask? While that’s an option and would sound nice, flipping the chords creates more variety. In this flipped version, the lone major chord—A major—introduces a striking effect that sets the progression apart.
Practical Uses and Final Thoughts
Is this technique a guaranteed hit-maker? I don’t think so. But what this method does offer is an easy and playful way to break out of your harmonic comfort zone and discover new ideas.
Stay creative, keep experimenting, and who knows? You might just stumble upon the next big sound.
Happy songwriting!