Category: Rock Songwriting

Rock bands have always been known for their unique fashion styles and image, which is still true today. However, there are also some common aspects that many contemporary rock bands share regarding their clothes and image. One of the most notable is focusing on a “rock and roll” aesthetic, which often includes leather jackets, band t-shirts, ripped jeans, and studded belts. This look is often associated with the classic rock bands of the past and is still popular among many contemporary rock bands.

Introspective and Personal Lyrics

Another common aspect of contemporary rock bands is focusing on introspective and personal lyrics, often expressing frustration, anger, and rebellion. Many rock bands today write lyrics that touch on themes of personal struggles, societal issues, and political commentary. Metaphors and symbolism are also daily in contemporary rock bands’ lyrics.

Wide Range of Musical Elements

In terms of song structure and modes, contemporary rock bands tend to incorporate a wide range of musical elements, including pop, electronic, and metal elements. Many bands today experiment with different time signatures and chord progressions and often use unconventional song structures that break away from the traditional verse-chorus-verse format. Electronic elements such as synthesizers, drum machines, and samples are becoming increasingly common in contemporary rock bands’ music. This experimentation with different musical elements is part of what makes contemporary rock so diverse and exciting.

Alternative Tuning and Modes

Many contemporary rock bands also use alternative tuning and modes, such as drop D or open G, that can give the music a different tonal quality and feel. Many contemporary rock bands use unconventional instruments, such as saxophones, violins, cellos, and other orchestral instruments, to create a unique and distinct sound.

In conclusion, contemporary rock bands share common aspects regarding their clothes, lyrics, song structure, and modes. They often focus on a “rock and roll” aesthetic and reflective, personal, and often politically charged lyrics. They also tend to incorporate various musical elements, often experimenting with different time signatures and chord progressions, electronic elements, alternative tuning, and unconventional instruments. These elements make contemporary rock music diverse, exciting, and constantly evolving.

A few stand out as being particularly prevalent when it comes to the most famous chord changes in today’s rock music. Here are 15 of the most commonly used chord changes in today’s rock music:

1. I-V-vi-IV – This chord progression is often called the “50s progression” and is used in countless songs, including “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond and “Let it Be” by The Beatles.
   
2. ii-V-I – This chord progression is often used in jazz music, but it’s also commonly found in rock songs like “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey.
   
3. I-vi-IV-V – This chord progression is often referred to as the “pop-punk progression” and is used in many pop-punk and punk rock songs such as “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World.
   
4. I-vi-iii-IV – This chord progression is often called the “sentimental progression” and is used in many songs that evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, such as “Wonderwall” by Oasis.
   
5. I-vi-V-IV – This chord progression is often called the “four chord progression” and is used in many pop and rock songs, such as “Living on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi.
   
6. I-vi-vi-V-IV-I-V – This chord progression is often called the “eight chord progression” and is used in many pop and rock songs, such as “Summer of ’69” by Bryan Adams.
   
7. I-V-vi-iii-IV-I-V – This chord progression is often called the “seven chord progression” and is used in many pop and rock songs, such as “Counting Stars” by OneRepublic.
   
8. iii-vi-ii-V-I – This chord progression is often called the “jazz progression” and is used in many jazz and rock songs, such as “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers.
   
9. ii-V-I-vi – This chord progression is often called the “rock progression” and is used in many rock songs, such as “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin.
   
10. ii-V-I-vi-IV-V – This chord progression is often called the “blues progression” and is used in many blues and rock songs, such as “Sweet Home Chicago” by Robert Johnson
    
11. iii-vi-ii-V-I-vi – This chord progression is often called the “jazz-rock progression” and is used in many jazz-rock and rock songs, such as “All Along the Watchtower” by Jimi Hendrix.
    
12. ii-V-I-vi-IV-V-I – This chord progression is often called the “rock-blues progression” and is used in many rock and blues songs, such as “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen.
    
13. iii-vi-ii-V-I-vi-IV-V – This chord progression is often called the “jazz-rock-blues progression” and is used in many jazz-rock and rock-blues songs, such as “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen.
    
14. I-vi-IV-V – This chord progression is often called the “pop progression” and is used in many pop and rock songs, such as “Happy Birthday” by Stevie Wonder.
    
15. I-vi-vi-V-IV-I-V-V – This chord progression is often called the “eight-chord progression.”