Use the Cycle of Keys to Spice Up Your Chord Progressions

Use the Cycle of Keys for Better Progressions - Spice Up Boring Chords

If your chord progressions feel stale or predictable, it’s time to break out of the box — and this week’s Q&A Tuesday shows you how.

Nate answers a question from Stephen about getting started with jazz guitar… but this lesson isn’t just for jazz players.

Using the cycle of keys, you’ll see how simple shifts in chord relationships can completely change the vibe of your progressions — and why chords that sound “wrong” can actually be exactly what your music needs.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to:

🎸 Add tension and movement by using chord distance, not just function

🎸 Apply the cycle of keys to build progressions that surprise (in a good way)

🎸 Reharmonize with confidence — even without deep theory knowledge

🎸 Break out of the “safe zone” and start hearing your chords in a more musical way

Whether you’re curious about jazz or just want your progressions to sound less bland, this is the creative boost you’ve been looking for.

🎬 Nate walks you through clear examples and gives you tools you can try right away — no jargon, no fluff.

📌 This isn’t just about learning a new theory concept — it’s about making your playing more expressive, emotional, and fun.