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Chord Progression Diagram: A "Chord Arranger"
A chord map is simply a chord progression diagram, a kind of "chord arranger." The above example illustrates chord map basics:
- The circle is the circular harmonic scale for a particular key. You can use whatever key you like. In this example, the key happens to be E major / C♯ minor.
- Numbered arrows point from one chord to the next chord in the progression.
- The first arrow (numbered “1") has a little circle at its base, signifying the beginning of the chord progression.
What makes chord maps so useful in songwriting is that they reveal certain specific patterns and characteristics, which you’ll learn from the upcoming examples. These patterns visually disclose the strengths, weaknesses, and potential appeal of various chord changes.