To write a really good chord progression, there are different techniques you can use as a songwriter. Certain tricks, like using what are called “substitute chords” to take a sort of plain-sounding progression to the next level.

This video explains what substitute chords are — and more importantly, where they come from in the circle of fifths:

These images highlight the main points and examples illustrated.

In modern music, the I-V-vi-IV is one of the most common chord progressions. You hear it all the time in many popular songs.

In the key of C, for example, these are chords C-G-Am-F, which come from the C Ionian mode in the circle of fifths.

To alter the sound, you can substitute any of these chords — like replacing V (G) with its relative minor, Em (the iii chord in the key of C). In this way, the iii is a substitute chord for V.

This alternative to the I-V-vi-IV progression is not as common, but makes for some interesting tunes....