Dance Chords & Chord Progressions

vi · ii · V · I

The feel-good disco progression that defines uplifting K-pop. The vi-ii-V-I (C#m-F#m-B-E) creates smooth harmonic motion with that signature BTS funk energy.

VI · VII · i · III

The dark pop progression that defined Lady Gaga's early hits. The VI-VII-i creates an ascending build to the minor tonic, with the III adding brightness. This F-G-Am-C progression drives the iconic chorus.

i · VI · III · VII

The driving EDM progression that builds before the drop. Bm-G-D-A creates urgency that resolves through the major chords. This i-VI-III-VII became the signature sound of 2010s EDM anthems.

i7 · v7 · VI7

The soulful 90s house progression. Dm7-Am7-Bbmaj7 creates that uplifting piano house sound. The simple three-chord loop with stabs and soul vocals defined early 90s club music.

vi · IV · V · I

小室進行, named after producer Tetsuya Komuro, who built most of 90s J-pop on it. Starting on the relative minor and climbing to the tonic gives the phrase a rising, triumphant shape, which is why it still turns up constantly in anime openings and dance pop.

ii7 · V7

Disco often refuses to resolve at all. Two seventh chords trade back and forth — a ii-V that never reaches the I — so the groove can run indefinitely without the harmony ever telling you the song is over. Chic's 'Good Times' is the canonical example, and one of the most sampled bars in recorded music.