Why Do So Many Songs Use the Same 4 Chords? The Four Chord Theory Explained

The simplicity of the four-chord theory has captivated songwriters and listeners alike for decades. While many pop-songwriters opt for chord progressions that are concise, relatable, and sing-along friendly, the reasoning behind this choice goes far beyond artistic judgment or economic incentives. This article delves into the four-chord theory and explores why so many popular songs rely on the same four chords.

The Popularity of Simple Chord Progressions

Many pop songwriters choose to use a limited set of chords because a simpler, more approachable sound resonates with a wider audience. This can be attributed to several factors, including the relatable lyrics, sing-along hooks, and danceable grooves that these songs often feature. Despite the availability of a broader range of chords and progressions, songwriters often opt for the four-chord pattern due to its enduring appeal. Sometimes, it's an artistic choice, and other times, it's about maintaining the status quo because these simple, relatable songs are already selling millions of copies. The saying “if it ain't broke, don't fix it” often applies in the music industry.

Harmonic Simplicity and Predictability

Songs with simple chord progressions create less harmonic tension, which stems from the interaction between the music and melody. This simplicity is crucial because listeners have a preferred level of predictability in their music, from the amount of repetition to the degree of harmonic tension. In fact, the majority of the public prefers more predictability, with younger listeners showing an even greater preference for such predictability in hit songs like Baby Shark.

While an increasing number of artists are expanding their chordal repertoires, making their music more complex and unique, these songs still represent a minority in the pop music landscape. This phenomenon is not unique to American music genres; historically, Bossa Nova with its sophisticated harmonies and rhythms dominated the music scene before the Beatles arrived. However, country music often relies on simplicity, with hits like Willie Nelson's “Crazy” being the rare exceptions.

Why Are Major Scales Predominant in Pop Music?

The I-IV-V chords are ubiquitously used in pop music, and they utilize all the tones and most of the intervals in a major scale. Major scales, often referred to as the Ionian mode, provide a familiar yet challenging sound that most people can understand and enjoy. Music theorists developed this theory based on the cultural and educational background of Europeans, particularly Germans and Italians, who commonly used the major scale.

A familiar tune derived from the major scale is recognizable to most cultural groups. Nursery rhymes and anthems, which serve as the bedrock of our subconscious musical preferences, are typically based on major scale melodies. These melodies are designed to be universally appealing, striking a balance between familiarity and distinctiveness. Overly predictable tunes can become boring, while too much alienation can turn audiences off. Most popular songs tend to fall within the range of positions 3 to 5 on a spectrum of tension versus release, striking a balance between being too familiar and too far out.

The Four Chord Theory Explained

The use of the four-chord theory is most evident when we consider the prevalence of the I, IV, and V chords. These chords cover all the notes in a major scale. Many pop songs use a combination of any three of these chords, each providing a unique flavor. Here are some examples:

Chord I (C Major) - C-E-G or 1–3–5 Chord IV (F Major) - F-A-C or 4–6–8 Chord V (G Major) - G-B-D or 5–7–2 Chord i (A minor) - A-C-E or 6–8–3 Chord iv (D minor) - D-F-A or 2–4–6 Chord v (E minor) - E-G-B or 3-5–7

By using these chords, songwriters can achieve a balance between familiarity and uniqueness, ensuring that their songs resonate with a wide audience without alienating listeners.