Heavy Chord Progressions & Guitar Chords

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 · VII · i

The quintessential heavy metal progression using power chords. The bVI-bVII movement creates that aggressive, driving metal sound that defined thrash and heavy metal.

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.