Chord Progressions

A chord progression is…

A progression is chords played in sequence — that movement is what makes songs feel like they go somewhere.

In the key of C major, the I, IV, and V chords are…

I is built on the 1st note (C), IV on the 4th (F), and V on the 5th (G).

Which chord creates tension that pulls strongly back toward home (I)?

The V chord (G) is the tension chord — it wants to resolve back to the I chord (C), your musical home.