Alternative Rock Chord Progressions

I → V → vi → IV

Same chords as the sad ballad, but played fast and energetic. The backbone of countless pop punk and emo songs from the 2000s.

i → VI → III → VII

A dark, minor-key progression that defined the grunge and alternative rock era. Heavy, moody, and full of tension.

i → VI → iv

The dark, hypnotic three-chord vamp that defines modern indie rock. The i-VI-iv (Gm-Eb-Cm) creates a brooding atmosphere with that signature Arctic Monkeys groove.

I → III → IV → iv

Radiohead's iconic progression featuring modal interchange. The non-diatonic III (B major) shines unexpectedly, while the iv (Cm) is borrowed from the parallel minor, creating that signature bittersweet 'creep' feeling.

i → iv → III → VI

The iconic grunge progression: i-iv-III-VI with power chords. The pairs of chords (i-iv and III-VI) are each a fourth apart, creating that restless, angsty energy that defined 90s alternative rock.

i7 → III → VIIsus4 → IVsus4

The jangly Britpop sound with suspended and extended chords acting as drones. F#m7-A-Esus4-Bsus4 creates that endless, yearning loop that defined 90s acoustic anthems.

I → V → vi → IV

The endless loop that defined atmospheric arena rock. D-A-Bm-G repeats unchanged throughout the entire song, creating an open-ended mood. The Edge's delay-drenched guitar makes this simple progression sound infinite.