A chord progression is the order of chords in a song. A handful of progressions turn up again and again in pop, rock, blues and jazz. Learn the eight below and you will recognise them everywhere, and you will have a starting point for writing your own songs.
How Roman numerals work
Progressions are written with Roman numerals so they work in any key. Each numeral is a step of the major scale. Upper case means a major chord, lower case means a minor chord.
| Numeral | I | ii | iii | IV | V | vi | vii° |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key of C | C | Dm | Em | F | G | Am | Bdim |
| Key of G | G | Am | Bm | C | D | Em | F♯dim |
| Key of D | D | Em | F♯m | G | A | Bm | C♯dim |
| Key of A | A | Bm | C♯m | D | E | F♯m | G♯dim |
Every major and minor chord page in our chord library lists the seven chords of its key, so you can look up any other key.
1. I–V–vi–IV
In C: C – G – Am – F. In G: G – D – Em – C.
Probably the most used progression in modern pop. The verse of the Beatles’ “Let It Be” uses it. It sounds bright and hopeful, and loops forever without feeling stuck.
2. I–IV–V
In G: G – C – D. In A: A – D – E.
The backbone of early rock and roll, country and folk. Three chords, and the V chord pulls strongly back home to I. If you are learning guitar, G, C and D are the first three chords to learn because of this progression.
3. vi–IV–I–V
In C: Am – F – C – G. In G: Em – C – G – D.
The same four chords as number 1, started from the minor chord. Starting on vi makes the loop feel moodier, which is why it is common in emotional pop and rock ballads.
4. I–vi–IV–V
In C: C – Am – F – G. In G: G – Em – C – D.
Often called the “50s progression” because so many doo-wop songs used it. It still shows up in pop today.
5. ii–V–I
In C: Dm7 – G7 – Cmaj7. In G: Am7 – D7 – Gmaj7.
The most important progression in jazz. It is usually played with seventh chords, which give it a smooth, rich sound. The V7 chord creates tension that resolves to I.
6. The 12-bar blues
Twelve bars, built from I, IV and V, usually as seventh chords. In A:
| A7 | A7 | A7 | A7 |
| D7 | D7 | A7 | A7 |
| E7 | D7 | A7 | E7 |
The last E7 is the “turnaround” that leads back to the start. Blues, early rock and roll and a lot of funk are built on this pattern. See the A7, D7 and E7 chord pages for the shapes.
7. i–VI–III–VII (minor)
In A minor: Am – F – C – G. In E minor: Em – C – G – D.
A minor-key loop with a dramatic, driving feel, common in rock and film music. Notice it uses the same chords as progression 1, because A minor and C major share the same notes.
8. The Canon progression
In D: D – A – Bm – F♯m – G – D – G – A.
This is the chord sequence of Pachelbel’s Canon in D. Its pattern of falling bass notes has been reused in many pop songs since.
How to use these in your own songs
- Pick a key that suits the singer. If a progression is too high or low, move it with our Chord Transposer.
- Change the rhythm, not just the chords. The same four chords sound completely different strummed, arpeggiated or played as stabs.
- Swap one chord. Replace IV with ii, or end a loop on V instead of I, and the progression gets a new character.
- Add sevenths. Turn C into Cmaj7 or Am into Am7 for a softer, jazzier colour.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common chord progression?
I–V–vi–IV, such as C – G – Am – F. It appears in a huge number of pop songs.
Why do some progressions sound sad?
Starting on a minor chord, or using more minor chords, makes a progression sound darker. vi–IV–I–V uses the same chords as I–V–vi–IV, but starting on the minor vi chord changes the mood.
Are chord progressions copyrighted?
Common chord progressions are generally treated as basic building blocks of music that anyone can use. Melodies and lyrics are what usually make a song distinct. This is general information, not legal advice.
How do I find the progression of a song?
Find the song’s key first with our Key and BPM Finder, then listen for which chords from that key fit. The chord library lists all seven chords in each key.
Want to understand rhythm too? Read time signatures explained and how song structure works.
