Looking for help in finding right chord progression?

Question

I have written a few songs, basically by luckily putting them together, would like to know more on where to start with the right chords....
most songs have a typical progression for the type of song, i just can't figure it out, i have one love song that is a heroic ride off into the sunset type, that needed a powerful chord progression, it sounds more lovey-dovey, then anything.
I guess my question is this:
what are the typical chord progressions for:
1.) sad and sappy?
2.)happy and in love?
3.)suspensful with resolve?
4.)touching and inspiring?
5.)sexy?(for fast or slow)
6.)angry?
7.)thoughprovoking?
8.)dramatic?

i know it's a lot to ask and they might not have exactly clear-cut "only one" answers but i'd appreciate any help you can give.

thanks

Answer 1

hmm i dont think its the chord that always define the mood, its more about how you strum it (jazzy, choppy, quickly, slowly, etc) or what kind of effect you are running through the amp (distortion, delay,flange, etc).

Answer 2

There are no "typical chord progressions" to represent emotions. Chords themselves each have different characteristics depending on which notes you include, which inversion they are in, which chord progression the chord is part of, and which key (or modulated key) the chord is passing through. Textbook chord progressions have been documented to highlight the most common combinations. However there is no definitive law that says that whenever they are used, they always evoke a particular emotion. Think of the context of what you are writing - think of what the overall feeling is you are trying to convey. Look at the lyrics again. Just use your intuition and listen to your feelings - it's the only way to find the right chords. Have a practice on keyboard or guitar and don't think about which chords you are playing. Just listen to where the harmony / melody are taking you. The only types of composers I can think of who might possibly view chord progressions in some sort of stereotypical way are the people who write music for soapies or movies. But it would be far nicer if you came up with your progressions as a result of artistic inspiration instead of someone doing the work for you, resulting in a completely unoriginal piece of music (if you could call it music).

If any of these terms are unfamiliar to you, it might pay to have some music theory lessons and do exams to help you understand the so called "rules" of composition - then you will be equipped to break them.

Answer 3

The saxophonist Michael Brecker, accompanied by a symphony orchestra, performed and recorded a composition by Klaus Ogerman entitled "Suite: In the Presence and in the Absence of Each Other". For chord sequences, the main thematic portion of this piece is just incredible.