There's a reason certain EDM tracks make you want to throw your hands up during the drop, it's not just the bass or the drums, it's the chords. The right chord progression can turn a mediocre beat into a festival anthem. Whether you're producing future bass, progressive house, trance, or dubstep, the chords you choose set the emotional foundation for everything else. In this guide, we'll break down the most effective EDM chord progressions and show you how to create them instantly with Chordoo's free MIDI generator.
Why Chords Matter in EDM
EDM is built on energy and emotion. While drums provide the groove and bass brings the power, chords are what make listeners feel something. A well-crafted chord progression can:
- Create anticipation during buildups that make the drop hit harder
- Deliver euphoria with bright, uplifting harmonies
- Add emotional depth to breakdowns and intros
- Define your subgenre, trance chords sound different from future bass chords
The best part? You don't need years of music theory to use these progressions. With Chordoo, you can generate EDM-ready chord progressions in seconds and export them as MIDI files for your DAW.
The 5 Most Powerful EDM Chord Progressions
These progressions have powered countless hits across all EDM subgenres. Learn them, and you'll have a foundation for any electronic track:
1. The Anthem Progression: I–V–vi–IV
In C major: C – G – Am – F
This is the most versatile progression in all of music, and EDM is no exception. It's uplifting, familiar, and works perfectly for main stage anthems. You'll hear it in tracks by Avicii, Swedish House Mafia, and Zedd.
Best for: Progressive house, big room, electro house
2. The Emotional Minor: vi–IV–I–V
In A minor: Am – F – C – G
Starting on a minor chord gives this progression a more introspective, emotional feel. It's perfect for melodic dubstep, future bass, and vocal-driven tracks. Artists like Illenium and Seven Lions use this constantly.
Best for: Future bass, melodic dubstep, emotional house
3. The Trance Lifter: i–VII–VI–VII
In A minor: Am – G – F – G
This progression creates that classic trance "lift" feeling. The movement between the minor root and the major chords creates tension and release that's perfect for euphoric buildups.
Best for: Trance, uplifting house, hands-up
4. The Dark Driver: i–i–VI–VII
In A minor: Am – Am – F – G
Repeating the minor chord twice creates a darker, more driving feel. This works brilliantly for tech house, dark progressive, and industrial EDM. The progression builds tension without ever fully resolving.
Best for: Tech house, dark progressive, industrial
5. The Future Bass Special: I–iii–vi–IV
In C major: C – Em – Am – F
The iii chord (Em) adds a touch of melancholy that defines the future bass sound. This progression is emotional without being dark, perfect for that bittersweet, nostalgic vibe that artists like Flume and San Holo are known for.
Best for: Future bass, chill trap, wave
Quick Tip
Try these progressions in different keys to match your track's energy. Higher keys (like E or F major) feel brighter and more energetic, while lower keys (like C or D minor) feel darker and heavier. Use Chordoo's generator to experiment with different variations instantly.
Chord Progressions by EDM Subgenre
Different subgenres have their own harmonic preferences. Here's what works best for each:
Progressive House
Progressive house lives on emotional builds and euphoric drops. Stick to major keys and use suspended chords (sus2, sus4) to add movement. Common progressions include I–V–vi–IV and vi–IV–I–V.
Future Bass
Future bass is all about lush, complex chords. Use 7th chords, add9 chords, and inversions to create that signature "super saw" wall of sound. The I–iii–vi–IV progression with extensions sounds incredible.
Dubstep & Riddim
Darker progressions work best here. Stick to minor keys and use power chords or simple triads. The i–VII–VI–VII progression creates tension that complements heavy bass drops.
Trance
Trance needs progressions that build and release. The i–VII–VI–VII "lifter" is classic, but also try i–VI–III–VII for an epic, anthemic feel. Arpeggiated chords are your best friend here.
House & Tech House
Keep it simple. House music often uses just 2-3 chords looped throughout the track. The groove comes from the rhythm and filter movement, not complex harmony. Try i–IV or i–VII–VI–VII.
How to Use Chordoo for EDM Production
Ready to create your own EDM chord progressions? Here's how to use Chordoo's free MIDI generator:
- Select your genre: Choose "EDM," "Progressive House," or "Deep House" from the dropdown to get genre-appropriate suggestions.
- Generate progressions: Hit the spacebar to cycle through different progressions until you find one that resonates.
- Lock what you love: Found a chord you like? Lock it and regenerate the others to create variations.
- Export MIDI: Download your progression as a MIDI file and drag it into Ableton, FL Studio, or any DAW.
- Add your sound: Layer the MIDI with supersaw synths, plucks, or pads to bring it to life.
Production Tips for EDM Chords
Getting the right progression is just the start. Here's how to make your chords sound professional:
- Layer your sounds: Stack 2-3 synth patches (saw, square, supersaw) for a fuller sound.
- Use inversions: Moving the bass note up an octave creates smoother voice leading between chords.
- Sidechain everything: Pump your chords to the kick for that classic EDM breathing effect.
- Automate filters: Low-pass filter sweeps during buildups create anticipation for the drop.
- Add width: Use stereo widening on your chord stack, but keep the low end mono.
Pro Tip
The best EDM producers reuse the same progressions, what makes each track unique is the sound design, arrangement, and energy. Don't overthink the chords. Find a progression that feels right and focus your energy on the drop.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Too many chords: EDM tracks often use just 4 chords throughout. Simplicity is power.
- Wrong key for your vocal: If you're using a vocal, make sure your chords are in a key the singer can hit.
- Ignoring chord rhythm: The same progression can feel completely different depending on when you trigger each chord.
- Muddy low end: High-pass your chord stack around 150-200Hz to leave room for the bass.
Start Creating EDM Chords Now
The chord progressions in this guide have powered thousands of EDM hits. Now it's your turn. Whether you're making a festival banger or an emotional melodic bass track, the right chords will take your production to the next level.
Ready to experiment? Visit Chordoo's chord progression generator to create EDM-ready progressions in seconds. Export them as MIDI, drop them in your DAW, and start building your next hit.
Want to dive deeper? Learn why chords are the foundation of every great track, or discover how to create emotions using chord progressions. For more production tips, check out our blog.