How to Make Lofi Chord Progressions: A Beginner’s Guide
Lofi music is known for its warm, nostalgic, and relaxed sound. One of the key elements that shape the mood of lofi music is the chord progression. If you want to create lofi beats with soulful and dreamy harmonies, mastering lofi chord progressions is essential. In this guide, we’ll break down how to create lofi chord progressions from scratch.
1. Understanding Lofi Music and Its Chords
Lofi music often features jazz-influenced chords, smooth transitions, and warm textures. It leans heavily on extended chords (such as 7th, 9th, and 11th chords) and voice leading to create an organic and emotive sound. The goal is to make the chords feel laid-back, imperfect, and nostalgic.
Common Chord Qualities in Lofi:
Major 7th (Maj7) – Creates a dreamy and warm sound.
Minor 7th (m7) – Evokes a melancholy and chill vibe.
Dominant 7th (7) – Adds a bluesy or jazzy feel.
Suspended Chords (sus2, sus4) – Creates an open and airy texture.
Diminished and Augmented Chords – Used sparingly for tension and resolution.
2. Choosing a Key and Scale
Lofi chord progressions work well in both major and minor keys, with minor keys being more common due to their moody and nostalgic feel.
Recommended Scales for Lofi:
C Major / A Minor (all white keys, easy to play)
G Major / E Minor (bright but can also be introspective)
F# Minor (often used for darker lofi beats)
3. Building a Lofi Chord Progression
Step 1: Start with a Basic Progression
A classic lofi progression often uses the I - vi - IV - V or ii - V - I jazz-inspired patterns. Here are a few common ones:
Cmaj7 - Am7 - Fmaj7 - G7 (I - vi - IV - V in C Major)
Dm7 - G7 - Cmaj7 - A7 (ii - V - I - VI in C Major)
Em7 - A7 - Dmaj7 - Gmaj7 (vi - II - I - IV in D Major)
Step 2: Add Extensions for a Lush Sound
Instead of playing standard triads, use extended chords to make them sound more complex and jazzy. For example:
C → Cmaj7 (C - E - G - B)
Am → Am7 (A - C - E - G)
F → Fmaj7 (F - A - C - E)
G → G7 (G - B - D - F)
Step 3: Experiment with Voicing & Inversions
Playing chords in different inversions (changing the order of the notes) and spreading notes across different octaves makes them sound more fluid and natural. Try moving the bass note or omitting certain notes for a more open sound.
4. Rhythm & Groove: Making It Feel ‘Lofi’
Swing and Humanization
Lofi music has an organic and imperfect groove. Instead of playing rigidly, shift some notes slightly off-grid and experiment with velocity to make them sound more natural.
Chord Strumming & Arpeggios
Instead of playing block chords, try:
Broken chords (arpeggios): Play each note of the chord separately.
Chord stabs: Short, syncopated hits for a jazzy feel.
Loosely strummed MIDI chords: If using a DAW, strum MIDI notes slightly for a more realistic feel.
5. Sound Design: Processing Your Chords
To achieve that signature warm and nostalgic lofi vibe, apply the following effects:
Low-pass filtering: Cuts off high frequencies for a muffled, vinyl-like sound.
Reverb & Delay: Creates a washed-out, dreamy atmosphere.
Chorus & Tape Warble: Simulates the imperfections of old recordings.
Saturation & Vinyl Noise: Adds warmth and texture.
6. Putting It All Together: Example Chord Progression
Let’s put these ideas into a simple 4-bar loop:
Chord Progression: Dm7 - G7 - Cmaj7 - A7
Voicing:
Dm7 (D - F - A - C)
G7 (G - B - D - F)
Cmaj7 (C - E - G - B)
A7 (A - C# - E - G)
Rhythm & Groove:
Arpeggiate the first chord.
Hold the second chord for longer.
Add slight strumming effects for realism.
Processing:
Use a low-pass filter.
Add slight reverb and vinyl noise for warmth.
Conclusion
Creating lofi chord progressions is all about capturing emotion and nostalgia through jazz-influenced harmonies, humanized rhythms, and warm sound design. Experiment with extended chords, voicings, and effects to craft your unique lofi vibe. With practice, you’ll develop a signature sound that resonates with the lofi aesthetic.
