Hope you had a great Easter and enjoying your spring. This month the music theory post is about sacred chord progressions.
What is the name of the chord progression that’s used in movies like 'The Ten Commandments'? Or movies about Jesus? It sounds holy.
The chord progression is often called the “sacred” or “religious” progression, and it typically evokes a solemn, holy, or divine atmosphere. A classic version of this kind of progression is:
I – IV – I – V – I
(For example, in C Major: C – F – C – G – C)
i – VI – III – VII
(In A minor: Am – F – C – G)
Or sometimes:
i – iv – i – v – i
(A minor: Am – Dm – Am – Em – Am)
Minor key with rising chords (triumphant yet solemn): A common formula for that grand, holy sound is:
i – bVI – bVII – i
(Example in C minor: Cm – Ab – Bb – Cm)
Gregorian or chant-like melodies over static harmony:
• Minor key + modal influence (especially Dorian or Aeolian)
• Progressions like i – VI – III – VII
• Slow, bold harmonic rhythm
• Choir and brass voicings layered over slow-moving harmonies…
1. i – VI – III – VII
Example in A minor: Am – F – C – G
Nickname:
• “Epic minor progression” (common in film scores and trailers)
• “Aeolian progression” (based on the natural minor scale)
• “Four-chord minor loop”
This one is emotionally charged, often used to convey grandeur, fate, and deep emotional movement. It doesn’t resolve in a typical V-i cadence, which gives it that timeless, unresolved feeling.
2. i – bVI – bVII – i
Example in C minor: Cm – Ab – Bb – Cm
This has a mystical, ancient feel. The use of bVI and bVII chords in minor keys is often associated with sacred or mythic music.
3. i – iv – v – i
Example in A minor: Am – Dm – Em – Am
This evokes Renaissance or early sacred music. When used with chant-like melody, it sounds very holy or austere.
4. Plagal Cadence: IV – I
Example in C major: F – C
Nickname:
• “Amen cadence”
Used in hymns and sacred music—often heard at the end of liturgical pieces. Very common in music about Jesus or religious moments in film.
5. Dorian progressions (i – IV – v)
Example in D Dorian: Dm – G – Am
Nickname:
• “Dorian progression”
Used for that medieval or archaic “holy” vibe—sounds both ancient and uplifting.
Let's look at one of these progressions on the piano keyboard. These are all in root position using a simple triad…
F minor to E flat major to D flat major to C major.
Until next time have fun playing around with these sacred chord progressions!