Taylor Swift, like many other artists, often uses the same four-chord progression in her songs. This pattern, known as the ‘Axis chords’, creates an emotional flow in the music. The chords were first highlighted by the now-disbanded music comedy trio Axis of Awesome in 2009. They used these chords in a mashup of popular songs, including ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ by Journey and ‘Let It Be’ by the Beatles.
Dr Jadey O’Regan, a lecturer at the Sydney Conservation of Music, explained that the ‘Axis chords’ follow a simple I, V, VI, IV pattern. If played in the key of C, the chords would be C, G, A minor, F. Many artists use this chord progression, but Taylor Swift seems to have a particular liking for it. It can be found in 21 of her songs, including ‘Love Story’ and ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’.
Dr O’Regan believes these chords are popular because they take listeners on an emotional journey. Even if you’re not musically inclined, you can anticipate where the chords will go due to their familiarity. This progression creates a sense of tension and resolution, which listeners find emotionally satisfying.
Many music genres share chord progressions. For example, early blues music often used the same three chords, while the ‘doo-wop progression’ of the 1940s and ’50s defined an entire genre. The ‘Axis chords’ are similar to this progression.
Dr O’Regan noted that the ‘Axis chords’ can be used in various ways to match the emotional tone of the lyrics. In Taylor Swift’s case, it’s not just the chords, but also her performance and the autobiographical nature of her lyrics that make her music impactful. The chord progression provides a simple foundation, allowing complex lyrics and vocals to shine without overwhelming the listener. This balance between familiarity and novelty is a key part of Swift’s success.
