Emo Chords & 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.

IV · V · vi · I

The twinkly, arpeggiated F-G-Am-C progression that defines midwest emo. American Football pioneered this sound with open tunings (FACGCE) and intricate fingerpicking that creates a nostalgic, dreamy atmosphere.

vi · IV · I · V

The same four chords as the pop axis progression, started on the relative minor instead of the tonic. That one change is the difference between triumphant and aggrieved, which is why it became the default setting for pop punk, post-grunge and every angsty rock single of the late 90s.