How do I contextualize chords from different keys that sound good together?

1. Do chords have to be in the same key?
2. Can a chord progression be in multiple keys?
3. Why do some chords sound good together?

Do chords have to be in the same key?

In your average chord progression, most of the time all of the notes will stay in the scale that correlates with the key of your song. If the song is in G major, your chords will contain notes that are found in that scale- G major, C major, D major, E minor, A minor, B minor.

Can a chord progression be in multiple keys?

Chord progressions can be in a range of keys and scales, from standard Major and Minor, to Phrygian, Locrian, Mixolydian and many more. Most music is in a Major or Minor key, or a variant thereof like Blues Minor. ... You can try the same chord progression in different scales and keys in Captain Plugins.

Why do some chords sound good together?

The chords that sound good together are made up of notes that makes sense harmonically. The notes of these chords are derived from a scale (usually the Major scale). The chords use something called diatonic harmony.