The Komuro progression is what creates the signature sound of 1990s J-POP.
By looping four bars of vi–IV–V–I, you get both uplift and bittersweet emotion at once, making choruses and outros soar dramatically.
Master the Komuro progression and arrange that “’90s sound” with a modern touch.
What Is the Komuro Progression?
The Komuro progression is a four-bar chord pattern of vi–IV–V–I (in the key of C: Am→F→G→C).
It’s called this because it was widely used in the synth & dance-pop that was popular in the 1990s, but the pattern itself is a universal progression that also appears in passages from the Classical era.
- Chords in key of C: Am → F → G → C
- Roman numerals: Ⅵm → Ⅳ → Ⅴ → Ⅰ
- Character: uplifting, nostalgic, “tear-jerking melody”
Benefits of Learning the Komuro Progression on Piano
As the bass moves “La→Fa→Sol→Do” (A–F–G–C in C major), a sense of descent and ascent alternates, causing the chorus or outro to build dramatically.
Because it resolves within just four bars, it’s perfect as an immediate, practical tool for songwriting and accompaniment.
- Instant accompaniment: right-hand melody + left-hand chords deliver a powerful pop backing
- Songwriting template: drop in a melody and the song comes together
- Faster transcription: the sound of “Ⅵm→Ⅳ” is instantly recognizable
3 Steps to Lock In the Chord Structure
① Sing the bass
Say “La–Fa–Sol–Do” out loud and memorize it.
② Left-hand bass + right-hand blocks
Split the hands and loop the four bars.
③ Smooth with inversions
Use nearest-shape inversions for the right-hand chords.
Piano Performance Techniques
Since the Komuro progression is often repeated in the chorus, adding rhythmic variation and tension notes helps prevent monotony.
- Sixteenth-note arpeggios: create drive with a right-hand 1-5-3-5 pattern.
- Off-beat accents: place the left-hand bass on the “and” of beats 2 and 4 for a dance-style groove.
- Add tensions: stack a 9th on Am, an 11th on F, and a 13th on G for extra depth.
Reference Points in Classical Pieces
Liszt: “Liebestraum No. 3”
A progression close to Ⅵm→Ⅳ→Ⅴ→Ⅰ appears in the middle section.
Mozart: “Piano Sonata K.545,” Mvt. 2
The subdominant→dominant motion traces an emotional curve similar to the Komuro progression.
Schubert: “Ständchen” (Serenade)
Analyze the smooth resolution to Ⅳ→Ⅴ→Ⅰ for inversion ideas.
A 5-Day Practice Plan
Day 1 – Loop at 70 BPM with left-hand roots + right-hand blocks
Day 2 – Turn the right hand into 8th- then 16th-note arpeggios
Day 3 – Add tension notes to expand the sound
Day 4 – Add syncopation for richer rhythms
Day 5 – Transpose to other keys (D, E, F#) and conquer all 12 keys
Application Ideas
Substitute Ⅵm → Ⅵ7 for a bluesy color.
Use modal interchange Ⅳ → Ⅳm to double the wistfulness.
Switch from 8-beat → half-time to create a post-chorus “break” feel.
FAQ
Q. What’s the difference between the Komuro progression and the royal-road progression?
A. Komuro: Ⅵm→Ⅳ→Ⅴ→Ⅰ. Royal-road: Ⅳ→Ⅴ→Ⅲm→Ⅵm. The former starts on a minor chord for stronger poignancy; the latter starts on a major chord for a more refreshing feel.
Q. Big root jumps are hard…
A. Don’t insist on left-hand octaves—use single notes with the damper pedal to sustain, keeping hand movement minimal.
Q. How do I arrange it for a ballad?
A. Drop the tempo to 60–70 BPM and use a six-note right-hand arpeggio pattern 1-5-3-5-9-5 for added expressiveness.
Summary
By mastering the Komuro progression, you’ll be able to create dramatic lift within just four bars.
Fully copy the original in the key of C → vary it with inversions, tensions, and rhythm → expand to all keys. Follow these steps to build practical, real-world skills.