Trance chord progressions
The progressions behind uplifting, emotional, driving and dark trance, in any key. Hear one, take the MIDI, or open it in the Chord Lab or the Studio to build a track around it.
Sounds to load your MIDI into
Supersaw Essentials: 25 free trance presets for Vital, the free synth. Leads, plucks, pads and gated stabs, voiced for every tool on this site.
Reading the numerals
Each chord is written as a Roman numeral: its position in the key. Upper case is a major chord, lower case is minor. In A minor, i is A minor (home), VI is F major, III is C major and VII is G major, so the anthem progression i–VI–III–VII is Am–F–C–G. Change the key and the numerals stay the same, which is why producers think in numerals.
Most trance is in a minor key, which gives it its bittersweet, emotional pull. A V in a minor key (marked V, a major chord) borrows a note from the harmonic minor scale: that raised note pulls hard back to the home chord, which is why it's so often the last chord before a drop.
Making a progression your own
The same four chords sound completely different with a different rhythm, voicing and sound. Open one in the Chord Lab to try sus and add9 colours, gate it with the Gate Builder, write a hook over it with the Lead Melody Generator, or build a whole loop in the Studio.
Questions
What is the most common trance chord progression?
In minor keys, i–VI–III–VII (Am–F–C–G in A minor) is the classic uplifting trance progression, along with close relatives like i–VII–VI–VII and VI–III–VII–i. In major keys, I–V–vi–IV and vi–IV–I–V are the most common.
Can I use these progressions in my tracks?
Yes. Chord progressions can't be owned, and these are used across thousands of records. The MIDI you download is yours to use however you like.
What key should a trance track be in?
Any key works. Pick one that suits the vocal if there is one, then tune your kick to it with the Kick Tuner so the low end stays clean.