Turnaround Progressions
In an earlier lesson you were introduced to the 12 Bar Blues chord progression. Another common chord progression is called the turnaround. Like 12 Bar Blues, it is the basis of many songs, and will probably sound familiar.
Unlike 12 Bar Blues, where the progression occurs over a fixed number of bars, the turnaround progression may vary in length as shown in the following examples, however the chord sequence remains the same. Some of the biggest hits of all time are based on the turnaround progression. Every year since the beginning of Rock music there have been hit songs based on turnaround progressions.
Songs based on Turnaround Progressions
- Stand by Me – John Lennon
- I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
- Return to Sender – Elvis Presley
- All I Have to do is Dream – Everly Brothers
- Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Monty Python
- The Young Ones – The Young Ones
- Hungry Heart – Bruce Springsteen
- Everlasting Love – U2
- Last Kiss – Pearl Jam
Rhythm Pattern
In this turnaround there are two chords in each bar.
Rhythm Pattern
Notice the similarity in sound in the previous turnaround progressions. They are the same progression but in two different keys.
