Dark Chord Progressions From Hit Songs
Phrygian, harmonic minor and half-diminished sounds from How You Like That, Still D.R.E., Gangsta's Paradise, Smells Like Teen Spirit and Hotel California. Switch to any key, hear each loop in your browser and download it as a free MIDI file.
i – bII
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The ♭II is a major chord just a half step above the minor i. That half-step rub is the signature of the Phrygian mode, and it sounds menacing in almost any style.
Tip: Keep it to two chords and make the beat and bass carry the energy.
i – iiø – vsus4
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The half-diminished ii adds instability, and the suspended v never fully resolves. The loop sounds cold and tense without being loud.
Tip: Play it as a high piano riff over a heavy beat; the contrast is the sound.
VI – iv – V – i
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The V is major (from the harmonic minor scale), so it pulls hard back to the i. That strong, almost classical pull gives the loop a dramatic, ominous weight.
Tip: Use strings or a choir pad to bring out the dramatic side.
i – iv – III – VI
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A minor loop that never touches a V chord. Played as power chords it sounds heavy and brooding, and it carries loud-quiet-loud dynamics well.
Tip: Play the verse quietly on a clean guitar and the chorus loud on the same chords.
i – VII – VI – V
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Four chords walk down to a major V, which pulls back to the i. The descending line feels fateful and dramatic.
Tip: Let the bass walk down step by step; the line is the hook.
i – V7 – VII – IV – VI
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The major V7 brings harmonic-minor drama, then the loop moves through major chords that sound strangely bright against the minor tonic. That mix creates an uneasy, mysterious mood.
Tip: Use arpeggiated guitar or piano so every chord tone is heard.
i7 – v
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Only the minor i and the minor v. With no major V, nothing resolves, and the loop stays dark and smooth.
Tip: Leave space and fill it with atmosphere: reverb, vinyl noise or a low drone.
Progressions with a lower-case i are shown in a minor key, the rest in major. Songs often use different chords in different sections; the section is listed for each example. "Song key" is the key of the recording as given in the published transcription.
All 7 dark chord progressions as MIDI, in every key
Every progression on this page in all 12 keys (84 MIDI files, chords and bass on separate tracks, at 90 BPM). You also get our full Chord Progression MIDI Pack (864 files) and The Songwriter's Cheat Sheet (PDF).
Your downloads are ready. Links to the full MIDI pack and the cheat sheet are on their way to your inbox too.
DOWNLOAD DARK MIDI → FULL MIDI PACK CHEAT SHEET PDFWant ready-made grooves? The Song Starter MIDI Kit ($19) turns 48 progressions from hit songs into chord, bass and drum parts, and MIDI Pack PRO ($9) has 113 progressions in 6 playing styles.
What makes a chord progression sound dark?
Dark progressions stay in minor and add one of three things: a half-step clash (the Phrygian ♭II), a diminished or half-diminished chord, or a harmonic-minor V that pulls hard back to the minor i. Many also avoid major chords that would brighten the loop.
For trap and drill, the darkness often comes from just two chords plus a heavy 808 that follows the roots.
3 ways to use them in your own songs
- Try the ♭II. Move from i to a major chord a half step up and back. Instant darkness.
- Use the major V. In a minor key, make the v chord major (V) for a dramatic pull back to the i.
- Add a heavy low end. Pair the loop with our free 808 generator and trap drum pattern.
Turn the progression into a song
SongwriterMap covers what goes on top of the chords: song structure, hook writing, melody shapes, lyric devices and a 7-point melody check, with an exercise for every item. Try the free demo in your browser.
Quick answers
What are the darkest chord progressions?
Dark progressions on this page include i – bII (How You Like That); i – iiø – vsus4 (Still D.R.E.); VI – iv – V – i (Gangsta's Paradise); i – iv – III – VI (Smells Like Teen Spirit); i – VII – VI – V (Tití Me Preguntó). Every progression on this page has playback in any key and a free MIDI download.
What chord progression does How You Like That by BLACKPINK use?
How You Like That uses i – bII in the intro (D♯ Phrygian): D♯m – E in D♯ minor, according to the published transcription (see sources below).
What chord progression does Still D.R.E. by Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg use?
Still D.R.E. uses i – iiø – vsus4 in the chorus lead-out and instrumental (iiø with an added 11th): Am – Bm7♭5 – Esus4 in A minor, according to the published transcription (see sources below).
What chord progression does Gangsta's Paradise by Coolio ft. L.V. use?
Gangsta's Paradise uses VI – iv – V – i in the chorus lead-out, bridge and instrumental: A♭ – Fm – G – Cm in C minor, according to the published transcription (see sources below).
What chord progression does Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana use?
Smells Like Teen Spirit uses i – iv – III – VI in the verse, pre-chorus and chorus (power chords): Fm – B♭m – A♭ – D♭ in F minor, according to the published transcription (see sources below).
What chord progression does Tití Me Preguntó by Bad Bunny use?
Tití Me Preguntó uses i – VII – VI – V in the intro: Fm – E♭ – D♭ – C in F minor, according to the published transcription (see sources below).
What chord progression does Hit the Road Jack by Ray Charles use?
Hit the Road Jack uses i – VII – VI – V in the intro and verse: G♯m – F♯ – E – D♯ in G♯ minor, according to the published transcription (see sources below).
What chord progression does Hotel California by Eagles use?
Hotel California uses i – V7 – VII – IV – VI in the first half of the verse: Bm – F♯7 – A – E – G in B minor, according to the published transcription (see sources below).
What chord progression does Rehab (Winter in Paris) by Brent Faiyaz use?
Rehab (Winter in Paris) uses i7 – v in the verse and chorus (i played without its 3rd): Am7 – Em in A minor, according to the published transcription (see sources below).
Can I use the same chord progression as a hit song?
Yes. Chord progressions are shared building blocks of music, and the loops on this page are used in hundreds of songs. What makes a song yours is the melody, the lyric and the production. (General information, not legal advice.)
Can I download these chord progressions as MIDI?
Yes. Every progression has a free MIDI download in the key and tempo you choose, with the chords and the bass on separate tracks, ready to drag into any DAW.
Sources: K-pop chord progressions (song sources listed there), Hip-Hop chord progressions (song sources listed there), Rock chord progressions (song sources listed there), Latin chord progressions (song sources listed there), Neo-Soul chord progressions (song sources listed there). Song titles are given for reference only. No lyrics, recordings or sheet music are reproduced, and The Sonic Secrets is not affiliated with any artist or label.