The Chord Ladder | A Unique Way to Understand Chord Progressions

The ladder of 5ths

Even though the chord ladder has substitute chords, you'll find that they look very familiar without them. Many chord progressions are circular as in the circle of 5ths. If we look at it without the substitution chords, they're identical to what you will find moving counterclockwise around the circle of 5ths. (The example is in the context of C Major)The circular chord progression is the 3-6-2-5-1 progression. Listen as you play this chord progression in the key of C Major

Now listen to the chord progression as it's played with the substitute chords (36471 progression).The ladder of 5ths chord progression sounds very smooth, but very predictable. Our chord ladder chord progression adds more interest due to the fact it doesn't sound predictable. This takes this listener on a more interesting journey until it comes to a resolution (the I chord).

Typically the V chord leads to the I chord. But with the substitute (the vi chord) on the first step of the ladder, you don't have to resolve to the I chord. You can play the vi chord and keep the progression going.

This is known as a deceptive cadence because after hearing the V chord, the ear expects the resolution of the I chord. Instead, the ear is taken on a detour and the resolution is delayed.

The chord ladder isn't a hard and fast rule of chord progressions. It's simply a guide and a visual representation of where chords tend to gravitate. When you're working on chord substitutions and re-harmonizations, simply use it as a starting point and go from there.

Until next time, Go Play!