Heavy Chord Progressions

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.