The Only Music Theory You Actually Need to Start Writing Better Songs
Music theory can feel like a giant mountain of rules. I wrote a whole guide on why guitarists struggle with music theory!
Scales. Modes. Circle of Fifths. Modal interchange. Secondary dominants… 😵💫
You start learning and suddenly feel like you need a degree just to write a decent chord progression.
But here’s the truth:
Most great songwriters only use a handful of theory concepts — they just use them really well.
So in this post, I’m going to break down the only theory you actually need to start writing better songs — stuff you can hear, see on your fretboard, and use today.
🎸 1. Major and Minor Keys
This is the foundation. Every key has 7 chords — and learning how to find those chords is one of the fastest ways to start writing music that actually sounds good.
In the key of C major, your chords are:
C – Dm – Em – F – G – Am – Bdim
(Or using Roman numerals: I – ii – iii – IV – V – vi – vii°)
💡 Most songs are built by mixing and matching a few of these — like I–IV–V or vi–IV–I–V.
If you're in G major? Same shapes — just shifted up.
🧱 2. Chord Progressions That Actually Work
You don’t need 50 progression ideas — you need 3 or 4 solid ones that always deliver.
Try these to start:
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I–V–vi–IV (The "Let It Be" / "With or Without You" progression)
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vi–IV–I–V (Used in loads of modern pop and rock)
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I–IV–V (The foundation of blues, rock, and early pop)
Once you know what key you're in, these become easy to swap and experiment with. Check out the circle of fifths to better understand what chords work well together!
🎯 3. Relative Minor / Major
Every major key has a relative minor (same notes, different starting point). Knowing this opens up more emotional range in your songwriting.
C major’s relative minor = A minor
G major’s relative minor = E minor
You can start a song in a major key, then switch to its relative minor to add contrast and depth — super effective.
🎨 4. Tension and Resolution
This is what gives music movement — the feeling of a question and an answer.
For example:
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V → I is the strongest resolution in Western music. It just feels right.
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Try building tension on the V chord, and then resolve it home to I.
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Want to go emotional? Move from I to vi (major to minor).
You're not just playing chords — you’re telling a story. Theory helps you shape that story on purpose.
🎶 5. Melody Over Chords
Ever write a cool progression, but the melody feels… off?
Here’s a cheat: use chord tones (the 1st, 3rd, or 5th of each chord) in your melody, especially on strong beats. It instantly makes things sound more intentional.
Example:
If you're playing a C chord, melody notes like C, E, or G will feel stable and connected.
I have a whole guide on understanding intervals here which you might find helpful!
🧠 You Don’t Need to Know Everything — You Just Need to Use What You Know
That’s the big secret:
Great songwriting doesn’t come from knowing “more” — it comes from knowing the essentials and using them intentionally.
You don’t need to memorise obscure scales or advanced harmony to write something powerful.
You need to:
✅ Understand keys
✅ Know your basic chords
✅ Use simple progressions well
✅ Create emotional shifts
✅ Let the melody and harmony work together
👇 Want Help Putting Theory into Practice?
If theory still feels disconnected from your playing, I made Play Smarter: Music Theory in Action just for you.
It’s a low-cost, practical course that shows you:
🎸 How to understand keys, chords, and progressions
✏️ How to use theory in songwriting — not just memorise it
🎵 How to write music that sounds intentional and expressive
👂 How to hear what you’re playing and trust your ear
👉 Check it out here — and finally start making music with confidence.
Or, if you're looking for more specific guidance, grab a free personalised practice plan from me!
Theory can be complicated, but it's well worth it! If you get stuck, I'm always an email away.
Jamie
