4 Passing Chord Techniques That Make Simple Progressions Sound Professional

by Arthur Bird December 8, 2025

I want to show you one of the techniques that pros use to make even the simplest chord progressions sound richer, smoother, and far more professional.

That technique is passing chords.

Passing chords are the extra chords you place between your main chords to add colour, richness, movement, and energy. They instantly elevate your harmony, and the good news is: you can start using them right away.

Here are the four most important passing chord techniques, demonstrated using the classic I–V–vi–IV progression in C major.

1. Passing “Neighbour” Chords

This first technique adds gentle movement without straying too far from the main harmony.

Start on C major. Before moving to G, step briefly to the IV chord (F major) while keeping C in the bass. Then return to C, and continue to G:

C → F/C → C → G

This simple side-step adds motion and interest while staying completely diatonic and easy to play.

2. Slash Chords With the 3rd in the Bass

Next is a beautiful smoothing technique using slash chords — but with a twist.

When moving to a target chord, use the chord to the left of it in the scale, and place the 3rd of that chord in the bass. All diatonic.

For example, when moving to G, the chord to the left is F.
Play F/A, then resolve into G:

C → F/A → G

This creates stepwise motion in the left hand and gives your progression a polished, melodic feel.

3. Chromatic Passing Using Diminished Chords

Now for a touch of colour: chromatic diminished passing chords.

When moving from G → Am, slip in a G♯ diminished chord between them:

G → G♯dim → Am

This tiny chromatic move adds richness and sophistication while still resolving naturally.

4. Secondary Dominants

Finally, we have secondary dominants — one of the most powerful passing tools.

A dominant chord is the 5th chord of the key you're in. A secondary dominant is the 5th of another chord in your progression, used to strengthen the pull toward that chord.

So if your target chord is G, find its dominant: D. Turn it into a dominant 7th (D7), and place it before G:

F → D7 → G

This creates tension and a strong sense of direction, making the resolution feel exciting and intentional.

🎹 Final Thoughts

So there you go — four essential passing chord techniques you can start adding to your playing today:

Neighbour chords
Slash chords with the 3rd in the bass
Chromatic diminished passing chords
Secondary dominants

I explore these inside your I–V–vi–IV progressions (and beyond), and your playing will instantly feel smoother, richer, and more expressive.

If you want to see these techniques demonstrated on the piano, check out the full video here:

Here are the timestamps:

0:00 Intro

0:08 What Are Passing Chords?

0:28 1) Passing "Neighbour" Chords

2:06 2) Slash Chords with 3rd in Bass

3:25 3) Chromatic Passes Using Diminished Chords

4:55 4) Secondary Dominants

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