[Noahlotr]

So I like to make music, and I've made very few complete, let alone good, songs. I think that one main problem I have is that I have trouble writing good progression. I use a midi keyboard, but I have very basic piano knowledge, so I really only play chords on the white keys. I sometimes manually put in notes to make slightly more complex chords, but my progressions still sound not very good. Is there some secret to a good progression, or is it a practice makes perfect thing?

Thanks,
Noahlotr

[statisticquill]

There's not only one secret, but many! These secrets come together to make one big secret called music theory.

Its only a secret because its hidden in plain view and nobody's actually interested in it!

Sarcasm aside though, there are not really any simple rules to help you. I could tell you how to do one particular thing that sounds good, but then you'd get stuck doing that : /

I posted a guide to music theory in the tutorials section. I suggest you read everything on that website, lots of good info.

[Lug]

depends what you mean by "perfect"
a very simple chord progression sometimes does it, if it's arranged nicely

[Friend Request]

I'm also on the quest for the perfect chords, and in my experience, just using those ebony keys is not going to get you anywhere, incorporating the sharp ivory notes into your melodies/progressions allows for a more musically fluid and intuitive cadence.
With the entire scale at your disposal, theres no limit to the amount of awe inspiring progressions you will be able to compose.

That, and it just takes time

[Slump]

Chord progressions are all about context.

[Broton42]

Totally agree with Slump, the progression should reflect the mood of the story that you're trying to convey through music.

"I really only play chords on the white keys"
All you're doing here is limiting yourself, and might be one of the reasons you don't feel your chord structures are complete, because you're not using half of the notes

The secret to a good progression is knowing your instrument, knowing your scales, and a bit of mathematics to guide yourself through the former.

[Noahlotr]

Thanks for the help, guys! The reason I (mostly) only use white keys is that I'm not a pianist, but fortunately, I actually start taking piano lessons tomorrow. I foresee that helping me greatly with this problem!

@statisticquill: I'll check out your music theory guide! I expect that it'll be very helpful.

[BALLZ!]

An endless quest.

[Evelon]

Originally Posted by Noahlotr

Is there some secret to a good progression, or is it a practice makes perfect thing?

I-V-vi-IV

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[Focalized]

12 bar blues. Ah fuck it, just make something up

[Leki]

2 - 5 - 1 chord progression, maybe?
But it really depends on the context of the piece.
And this is where music theory and chord progression theory come in handy

[T-REn]

For a beginner like me putting a note there and here in a midi track (trial&error) will be only choice with few knowledge of music theory. Including pressing keyboard (Trial & error).

Thats my way of getting good(not perfect) chord progression. Hahaha. I guess by practice and experience we can get perfect chord progression.

Hey dont forget BLACK keys, it makes up everything.

Cheers,
T-REn

[Noahlotr]

Thanks for all the help everyone! After reading all your suggestions, I have decided to most definitely BEGIN USING THE BLACK KEYS!

[Friend Request]

Originally Posted by Friend Request

I'm also on the quest for the perfect chords, and in my experience, just using those ebony keys is not going to get you anywhere, incorporating the sharp ivory notes into your melodies/progressions allows for a more musically fluid and intuitive cadence.
With the entire scale at your disposal, theres no limit to the amount of awe inspiring progressions you will be able to compose.

That, and it just takes time

I should clarify here, I meant to say ivory in place of ebony. I do know the difference hahaha

[auxein]

Listen to Steve Reich to hear perfect Western progressions

[harpeer]

Listen to the band 'The Black Keys'.

They'll motivate you.