Avicii — the Swedish superstar DJ, producer, and songwriter — revolutionized electronic music with melodies that were both emotional and powerful.
His knack for crafting unforgettable chord progressions helped shape the sound of modern pop, EDM, and house music.
Today, we’re diving into three of Avicii’s most iconic and commercially successful songs, analyzing their chord progressions, and learning what made them so timeless. 🎹✨
1. “Wake Me Up” (2013)
Album: True
Listen to : Avicii – Wake Me Up (Official Video)
Chord Progression (Verse and Chorus):
| Bm | G | D | A |
Why it Works:
This four-chord loop is simple yet incredibly effective. It blends folk influences with EDM energy, using a classic I-V-vi-IV shape (in the key of D major). Avicii layered clean acoustic guitars with electronic beats, creating a sound that felt brand new at the time.
Helpful Tutorials:
Fun Fact:
“Wake Me Up” became the fastest-selling single in UK history at the time of its release!
2. “Levels” (2011)
Album: Single Release
Listen to :
Chord Progression: | C#m | E | B | A |
Why it Works:
The uplifting minor-to-major movement gives “Levels” a euphoric feel that’s become iconic in dance music. Avicii repeats this progression over the famous Etta James sample (“Something’s Got a Hold on Me”) and builds layer upon layer of synths, bass, and rhythm.
Helpful Tutorials:
Fun Fact:
“Levels” is often credited as the track that brought EDM to mainstream American radio.
3. “The Nights” (2014)
Album: The Days / Nights EP
Chord Progression (Chorus): | F | C | G | Am |
Why it Works:
Another four-chord progression classic! “The Nights” captures the spirit of youth, adventure, and nostalgia. The progression feels hopeful and expansive, helping deliver one of Avicii’s most beloved anthems.
Helpful Tutorials
Fun Fact:
Avicii wrote this song inspired by advice from his own father — “live a life you will remember.”
Key Takeaways
- Avicii’s chord progressions are often simple yet emotionally powerful — the magic is in the layering and production.
- Common tricks he used: major-to-minor transitions, instrument layering, emotional melodies.
- If you’re a producer, learning these progressions is a must to understand how to create anthemic, genre-blending music.
Bonus :
Youtube Creator & producer Alex Rome has a great tutorial on Avicii’s Chord techniques and how you can use them in your productions : Chord Tricks Avicii Used To Hook You