In this act they demonstrate how the same 4 chords are used over and over in hit popular songs. You may have heard of the “four chord song” by comedy musical group Axis of Awesome. The 7 most important chord progressions in jazz # By practicing these common progressions in different keys and styles, you will automatically improve your ability to play standards as well. Jazz theory gives us some common functional chord progressions that are used across many songs. These progressions set a songs harmonic structure, and when combined with a melody, they create lead sheets for jazz standards. So, what is a chord progression? A chord progression is a series of chords played in sequence. For that reason, learning to identify and play over these progressions is foundational to your study as a jazz musician. Jazz standards are constructed using these chord progressions, many of which are common thematic patterns throughout the genre. Chord progressions are fundamental to the understanding and appreciation of jazz music.