A recurring harmonic theme in the genre of pop and pop/rock, as well as rock, dance, etc. music (what is etc. music??) is the harmonic progression of:

6 minor, 4 major, 1 major, 5 major

The above song by Matt Kearney (that I just got hipped to) is no exception.

And in case those numbers are Greek to you, in the key of C, for example, it would look like:

a minor, F major, C major, 5 Major

In the weeks to come, I will build a case that this progression has been used in more hits in the last two decades (okay I’m reaching here) than any other. I’m going to be looking at some of the MANY songs that have used it successfully. I’ll try to focus on the big SMASH hits (okay, so Matt’s song isn’t one), while also trying to look at the history of this into the pop vernacular. (yes, I used “vernacular” in this blog!)

Also please make note, there is really nothing scientific about this whatsoever.

See you soon!

Jason Garner