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Here are the main chord progressions in rock music, categorized by their function and typical usage. These progressions shape the sound, emotion, and energy of rock songs, from classic anthems to modern hits.

1. Perfect Cadence (V → I)

Example: G → C (in C major)
Function: Strong resolution, feels like a "homecoming" or finality.
Usage in Rock:

• Common at the end of verses or choruses (e.g., "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple, "Sweet Child O’ Mine" by Guns N’ Roses).
• Often reinforced with a pedal tone (the tonic note played in the bass throughout).

2. Plagal Cadence (IV → I)

Example: F → C (in C major)
Function: Gentle resolution, often sounds "epic" or "spiritual."
Usage in Rock:

• Typical in rock anthems (e.g., "Let It Be" by The Beatles, "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door" by Bob Dylan).
• Common in progressive rock or ballads.

3. Imperfect Cadence (V → vi or V → IV)

Example: G → Am (in C major) or G → F
Function: Less definitive resolution, creates tension or openness.
Usage in Rock:

• Used to avoid predictable endings (e.g., "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin, where V → vi appears in the verse).
• Adds a melancholic or suspended feel.

4. Broken Cadence (V → vi → IV → I or variations)

Example: G → Am → F → C (in C major)
Function: Longer harmonic movement, often used for memorable progressions.
Usage in Rock:

• Very common in classic rock (e.g., "Hotel California" by The Eagles, "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen).
• Creates iconic riffs or arpeggios.

5. Subdominant Cadence (IV → V)

Example: F → G (in C major)
Function: Prepares for the dominant, builds anticipation.
Usage in Rock:

• Often used before returning to the I or to introduce a section change (e.g., "Back in Black" by AC/DC).
• Common in turnarounds (returning to the start of a verse).

6. Loop Cadence (I → V → vi → IV)

Example: C → G → Am → F (in C major)
Function: Cyclical progression, highly melodic.
Usage in Rock:

• The most used progression in rock and pop (e.g., "Don’t Stop Believin’" by Journey, "With or Without You" by U2).
• Also called the "50s progression" or “doo-wop progression.”

7. Modal Cadence (Borrowed from other modes)

Example:

• Mixolydian: I → bVII → IV (e.g., C → Bb → F)
• Dorian: i → IV (e.g., Am → D)
  Function: "Bluesy" or mysterious sound.
  Usage in Rock:
• Blues rock (e.g., "Sunshine of Your Love" by Cream, "Voodoo Child" by Jimi Hendrix).
• Psychedelic rock (e.g., "Paint It Black" by The Rolling Stones).

8. Chromatic Cadence

Example: C → E → A → F# (descending half-steps)
Function: Dramatic tension, often used for climaxes or bridges.
Usage in Rock:

• Hard rock/metal (e.g., riffs by Metallica or Megadeth).
• Progressive rock (e.g., "21st Century Schizoid Man" by King Crimson).

9. Power Chord Cadence (I → IV → V)

Example: C5 → F5 → G5
Function: Simplicity and power, typical of rock.
Usage in Rock:

• Punk rock (e.g., "Blitzkrieg Bop" by The Ramones).
• Grunge (e.g., "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana).
• Stoner rock (e.g., Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age).

10. Andalusian Cadence (i → bVII → bVI → V)

Example: Am → G → F → E
Function: Exotic sound, often associated with flamenco or Latin rock.
Usage in Rock:

• Santana (e.g., "Oye Como Va").
• Fusion rock (e.g., "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin).

Examples by Sub-Genre