• Primary chords (I V I, I IV I, I IV V etc.)
• Circle of fifths-based progressions (e.g. ii-V-I or vi-ii-V-I but also any part of the full circle)
• Falling thirds (e.g. I-vi, vi-IV, IV-ii)

For cadences, use standard cadential progressions,

Looking for some simple opening chord sequences to start off your piece? Try some of these:

• I  V(6)  I
• I  VI  V
• I  ii  V  I
• I  VI  IV V
• I  vii6  I (or I vii I over a tonic pedal)
• I  IV6/4  I

Also you should look at cadential progressions, circle of fifths, parallel motion and progressions over a tonic pedal and dominant pedal. There are other handy things to do on the WCT fingerprints page as well.

• Use characteristic progressions at cadences (e.g. II6 V I and cadential 6/4s)
• Root progressions using falling thirds (e.g. VI to IV and I to VI) are much more common than those using rising thirds.
• I and VI are the best approach chords to II in the run up to a cadence
• All other things being equal, it is a good idea to keep a root position I on the first strong beat of a phrase

• Be wary of second inversions. They are rare except for the following:

• • cadential 6/4 onto V
  • second inversion chord IV alternating with chord I

• Avoid progressions using II other than as an approach chord to V. Chord IIb can also be used as an approach to a cadential 6/4.
• Don’t use III other than 1) as an approach to VI or 2) as part of a sequence between II and IV
• Chord VI in usually in root position
• Don’t use VII other than as VII6 resolving either to I or I6