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C - Dm, Am - G, and the Power of Second Progressions
Second progressions such as C - Dm and Am - G have a lot of ear-catching power because the two chords in a second progression have no notes in common.
The chord C major consists of the notes C, E, and G. The chord D minor consists of the notes D, F, and A. So the progression C – Dm marks a significant harmonic change. It’s a strong progression.
The main disadvantage is that clumsy use of second progressions can blur the sense of tonality.
In general, on any chord map, the closer the arrows are to the edge of the circle, the stronger the progression: fifths first, then seconds, then thirds.