A Significant Five-Chord Rock Pattern

 Many riffs in rock were created to be vaired, mostly taken from classical pieces, most noteably Beethoven's 5th Symphony.

However, aside from noted riffs, there is a popular chord progression, often played arpeggiated, that has been varied and laid down the foundation for some of rock's finest tunes.

Am-C-D-F-E

Why is this sequence so special? Well, for me at least, it tends to convey a special emotion behind the song. Considering the songs the most popular songs it appeared in, it really helps to create a surrounding that lets you know, at an instant, that the song is about a matter that is going to be hard to take. Let's look at some examples.

Animals - The House of The Rising Sun

This old time blues track was a massive hit for Eric Burdon and company in 1965. Built on a "looping" sequence of Am-C-D-F-Am-E-Am-E, the song tells of one's struggle in the house, and as I've blogged before, its lyrics have been varied. 

Led Zeppelin - Babe I'm Gonna Leave You

Lifted from their self-titled, 1968 debut, Zeppelin's take on this folk song (by Anna Bredon originally, by the way) is a classic example of the arpeggiated five-chord sequence, going Am-C-Dm-F-E. In my opinion, the chord sequence really provides a melancholy setting, and before you even hear Plant singing, you can tell what you're listening to.

Ten Years After - I'd Love to Change the World

These British, wanna-be southern rockers scored their one and only top 40 hit, from 1971's A Space in Time. Althought the track rose just enough to become a top 40 hit, its chord progression is perfectly fitting, given that the song's subject matter is on a number of societal issues, even the Vietnam War! I particularly value the fast-paced section, which to me really displays anger and urgency.

Beatles - While my Guitar Gently Weeps

As with the Animals, the Fab Four put an ever so slight spin on this five-chord sequence (Am-C-D-F-Am-C-F-E), for this Harrison-penned tune in the intro. Most of the song, is slight different, however, yet they manage to maintain the melancholy sound of the five-chord sequence. The "chorus" chords (a la "I don't know how...)" are also uniquely played with A, F#m, Bm, and Esus chords creating a sort of "mystery effect."

Chicago - 25 or 6 to 4

This mega hit from their second LP, Chicago/Chicago II, loops the Am-C-D-F-E sequence for much of the song, and adds extra fuel in the choruses with an F/C/G/F progression. 

Atlanta Rhythm Section - Imaginary Lover

As un-rock as they get (Do classic rock stations even play them?), it toggles between Am and F most of the time, only delving into an occassonal E. However, it's the chorus that uses the special progression. It honestly makes one feel like they are struggling to find a lifetime lover. Oh, and seriously folks, the ONLY time I EVER heard that song played on a radio staiton, was in a store - where they, of course, used satelite radio. 

These five chords have expanded to the pop realm over time. Give Alex Clare's hit Too Close (you may recognize it from Microsoft commercials) a listen, and pay attention to the chorus, you'll see what I mean.

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