Math Rock Chords & Chord Progressions

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.

Iadd9 · IVadd9 · vi7

Math rock is defined less by which chords you play than by how they are counted and voiced. This loop runs seven beats instead of eight, so it never quite lands where you expect, and the add9 shapes keep open strings ringing against fretted notes — the bright, bell-like clash the genre is built on. Play it clean, with fingers rather than a pick. For the sound in full, start with American Football, Toe and Covet.