How do I make my chord progressions sound smoother?
Q&A
Jan 22, 2026
Chord progressions sound smoother when you use voice leading to minimize the distance notes travel between chords, which I achieve by using inversions to keep notes as close together as possible. Instead of jumping a C minor chord all the way up to a high F minor, I'll use a second inversion on the F minor (dropping the fifth down an octave) so the notes sit closer together and feel more fluid. The key is thinking about how far your hand would have to jump on a keyboard—the less distance, the more cohesive your progression will sound.
Post adapted from the video below:
I break down voice leading and chord inversions in depth at Futureproof Music School, where you'll get hands-on techniques for writing better progressions. You can start with a free trial to access the full lesson library.
What is voice leading and how does it help my chord progressions?
Voice leading is the smooth movement of individual notes from one chord to another, keeping the distance between notes as minimal as possible. I use this technique to make chord progressions feel more fluid and cohesive.
What's the difference between first and second inversion?
In first inversion, I put the third (middle note) at the bottom of the chord, and in second inversion, I put the fifth at the bottom. Both create smoother transitions than keeping everything in root position.
How do I know which chord inversions to use in my progressions?
I experiment with different inversions and choose the ones where notes move the shortest distance between chords. If you want to learn more advanced techniques like this, check out Futureproof Music School for comprehensive production courses.
Dubstep pioneer and touring artist with millions of streams. Known for his heavy bass drops and intricate sound design, Max has released on major labels and performed at festivals worldwide.