5 Time-Tested Chord Progressions
Five chord progressions account for a remarkable share of popular music: I-V-vi-IV, vi-IV-I-V, i-bVII-bVI-V, i-bVII-bVI-bVII and I-vi-IV-V. The first two are the bright, familiar pop shapes built on a major key. The middle two drop to a minor home and borrow the flattened seventh and flattened sixth, which is where rock and alternative music get their weight. The last is the classic fifties turnaround. Each one below is written out in Roman numerals, spelled as actual chords in C major or A minor, matched to songs you already know, and given a player so you can hear it in one click. If the chord names are unfamiliar, you can look any of them up in the chord finder and see the notes on a keyboard.
I-V-vi-IV
The chord progression I-V-vi-IV, commonly known as the “pop chord progression” or “Axis progression” is a versatile and widely used sequence in music. It consists of the chords C, G, Am, and F. This progression is characterised by its catchy and uplifting quality, making it a favourite in various genres. Some popular songs that feature this progression include:
- “Someone Like You” by Adele (Pop/Ballad)
- “Let Her Go” by Passenger (Indie Folk)
- “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King (Soul/R&B)
- “Counting Stars” by OneRepublic (Pop/Rock)
- “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake (Pop/Funk)
- “Where Is the Love?” by The Black Eyed Peas (Hip-Hop/Pop)
These songs demonstrate the flexibility of the I-V-vi-IV progression, appearing in a variety of musical styles and captivating listeners with its familiar and pleasing sound.
vi-IV-I-V
The chord progression vi-IV-I-V is a variation of the I-V-vi-IV progression mentioned earlier. It has a captivating and uplifting feel. The chords used in this progression are Am, F, C, and G. This chord sequence is commonly found in popular music and has been used in many successful songs from different genres. Some notable examples include:
- “Someone Like You” by Adele (Pop/Ballad)
- “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz (Pop/Reggae)
- “Wherever You Will Go” by The Calling (Pop/Rock)
- “Love Story” by Taylor Swift (Country/Pop)
- “Let It Be” by The Beatles (Rock)
- “Payphone” by Maroon 5 (Pop/Rock)
i-bVII-bVI-V
The chord progression i-bVII-bVI-V has a strong and edgy feel to it. It uses the chords Am, G, F, and E. This sequence is often heard in rock and alternative music, bringing in a feeling of intensity and suspense. Many popular songs across these genres have embraced this progression, some examples being:
- “Zombie” by The Cranberries (Alternative Rock)
- “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day (Rock)
- “The Kids Aren’t Alright” by The Offspring (Punk Rock)
- “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor (Disco/Pop)
- “Wanted Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi (Rock)
- “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd (Progressive Rock)
i-bVII-bVI-bVII
The chord progression i-bVII-bVI-bVII creates a moody and dark atmosphere. It includes the chords Am, G, F, and G. This progression is often found in rock and alternative music, adding a sense of melancholy and intensity. Some popular songs that use this progression include:
- “Creep” by Radiohead (Alternative Rock)
- “Heart-Shaped Box” by Nirvana (Grunge/Rock)
- “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails (Industrial Rock)
- “With or Without You” by U2 (Rock)
- “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden (Grunge/Alternative Rock)
- “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith (Rock/Ballad)
I-vi-IV-V
The chord progression I-vi-IV-V is a classic and uplifting sequence. It includes the chords C, Am, F, and G. This progression is widely used in pop, rock, and country genres, creating a catchy and feel-good atmosphere. Some popular songs that feature this progression include:
- “Let It Be” by The Beatles (Rock)
- “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi (Pop/Ballad)
- “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd (Southern Rock)
- “Hey Soul Sister” by Train (Pop/Rock)
- “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King (Soul/R&B)
- “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day (Rock)
These songs highlight the universal appeal of the I-vi-IV-V progression, delivering memorable hooks and creating a sense of familiarity for listeners.
In conclusion, these “5 Time-Tested Chord Progressions” serve as a reliable foundation for musicians, offering a solid starting point for creating captivating melodies and harmonies. By understanding and exploring these established progressions, musicians can unlock a world of musical possibilities and enhance their songwriting skills. So, grab your instrument and let these tried-and-true progressions inspire your musical journey!
Quick answers
What is the most common chord progression? I-V-vi-IV, which is C, G, Am, F in the key of C major. It sits under a huge share of pop, rock and soul songs, and vi-IV-I-V is the same four chords started in a different place.
What does bVII mean in a chord progression? The bVII is the chord built on the flattened seventh degree of the scale. In A minor that is G major. It is borrowed from outside the strict minor scale, and it is what gives i-bVII-bVI progressions their rock feel.
What is the i-bVII-bVI-V progression? Am, G, F, E in the key of A minor. It descends step by step from the minor home chord and then lifts onto a major V, which is why it sounds tense and dramatic. “Zombie” and “Wanted Dead or Alive” both use it.
What is the difference between i-bVII-bVI-V and i-bVII-bVI-bVII? Only the last chord. The first resolves onto E major, a proper V that pulls hard back to Am. The second goes back to G, so it loops without ever really resolving, which is why it feels moodier.
Which chord progression should a beginner learn first? I-V-vi-IV. Four common chords, no barre shapes required in C or G, and once you know it you can play along with hundreds of songs.
Generate chord progression