How to Create a Classic Progressive House Sequence

This quick and basic tutorial from Computer Music illustrates how to create a classic Progressive House note sequence, along with some suggestions on classic chords to use.

We love the vibe of these tracks, and a great, memorable chord progression is key to success. Some of the biggest tracks use the simplest chord sequences in clever ways.

Lining your chord progression’s notes up on 1/8 in a 4/4 time signature is a great start. We recommend tempos from 120 to 136 BPM, depending on your style.

A great idea for a quick track-starter is to create a template for your DAW that already has a basic 4/4 percussion groove programmed in, removing the need to start from scratch every time. We use our favorite kick, clap, and a short open hi-hat in Ableton’s Simpler or Logic’s EXS24 sampler. You can, of course, simply replace these to suit your track as your production progresses.

We recommend experimenting with side-chain compression to achieve that ubiquitous ‘pumping’ effect found in many progressive tunes.

Read ‘How to program progressive house eighth-note chords’ on Music Radar now!

We’ve got plenty of Progressive House MIDI packs, all ready to bring you an instant burst of inspiration! You can also check out our MIDI chord packs, perfect for chopping into chord progressions like those you’ll need to write melodic progressive grooves.