Good Chord Progressions to Know

What a chord progression is (and how to read the numbers)

A chord progression is a sequence of chords played one after another. Most songs you know are built on a handful of repeating progressions, which is why learning a few of them gets you a long way as a beginner.

Progressions are often written with Roman numerals so they can be played in any key. Each numeral refers to a note of the major scale, and the chord is built on that note. Uppercase numerals usually mean major chords, and lowercase numerals usually mean minor chords.

In the key of C major the chords are:

So “I-V-vi-IV” in C major means C, G, Am, F. In G major the same numbers give G, D, Em, C. The pattern stays the same; only the starting point changes. If you want to see a full set of chords in a less common key, our guide to chords in Eb major works through one in detail.

The most-used progressions

There is no single official “most used” progression, but a few appear again and again in pop, rock, folk, and gospel music. All examples below are in C major.

I-V-vi-IV (C - G - Am - F)

Often called the pop or “axis” progression, and probably what people mean by the “legendary four chords.” It is bright and familiar, and many well-known songs use it or a close variation, including “Let It Be” and a version of “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Songs often start on a different chord in the cycle, which makes them feel different even though the chords are the same.

I-vi-IV-V (C - Am - F - G)

The 1950s or doo-wop progression. It has a nostalgic, circular feel and is heard in songs such as “Stand By Me” and “Earth Angel.”

vi-IV-I-V (Am - F - C - G)

The same four chords as I-V-vi-IV in a different order, starting on the minor chord. It tends to sound a little more melancholy or dramatic.

I-IV-V (C - F - G)

The classic three-chord progression. Folk, country, rock and roll, and blues are full of songs that rely mostly on these three chords.

A common claim is that four chords can write every pop song. That is an exaggeration, but it is fair to say a small set of chords covers a surprising amount of popular music.

The 12-bar blues

The 12-bar blues uses I, IV, and V over twelve measures. One common version looks like this in C:

Many players end the last bar on G (the V chord) to lead back to the start. Blues players often use dominant seventh chords (C7, F7, G7) for a rougher, earthier sound. There are many variations, so treat this as a starting point.

Jazz-flavored progressions

ii-V-I (Dm7 - G7 - Cmaj7)

This is the backbone of a lot of jazz harmony. The ii chord leads to the V, which pulls strongly toward the I. Playing it with seventh chords gives the smooth, resolved sound jazz is known for.

I-vi-ii-V (Cmaj7 - Am7 - Dm7 - G7)

A close relative that works as a loop or a turnaround at the end of a phrase. See our detailed page on the I vi ii V chord progression for voicings and variations.

Good progressions in minor keys

Minor keys have their own favorite patterns. In C minor (the same idea works in any minor key):

• i-VI-VII (Cm - Ab - Bb)
• i-iv-VII (Cm - Fm - Bb)
• i-VI-III-VII (Cm - Ab - Eb - Bb)
• ii°-V-i (Ddim - G - Cm), a minor version of the ii-V-I

For the full list of chords that fit this key, read what chords go with C minor.

Adding major 7 chords

A major 7 chord is a major triad plus a fourth note, the major seventh, which sits a half step below the root’s octave. Cmaj7 is C - E - G - B. It sounds softer and more open than a plain C major chord and is common in jazz, soul, and ballads.

You can swap major 7 chords in for I and IV chords in most progressions: Cmaj7 - G - Am7 - Fmaj7 is a gentler take on I-V-vi-IV. Try one change at a time so you can hear what each does.

Suspended chords are another easy color to add. Our page on the Dsus2 chord on piano shows one way to do it.

How to practice progressions at the piano

1. Start with block chords in your right hand and a single bass note in your left hand.
2. Play each chord for four beats and count out loud before you add rhythm patterns.
3. Look for the smallest move from one chord to the next, using inversions so your hand does not jump around.
4. Repeat the same progression in a second and third key, such as G and F, once C feels comfortable.
5. Once you can play it steadily, try arpeggios, or sing a melody over the top; improvisation exercises for music has ideas for what to play over a loop. The inversion drills in intermediate piano exercises also help.

Pick one or two progressions and play them every day for a week before adding more. Hearing the same pattern in different songs is the quickest way to recognize it by ear.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most used chord progression? It is hard to measure, but I-V-vi-IV and I-IV-V are two of the most commonly cited.

What is the legendary four-chord progression? Usually I-V-vi-IV, such as C - G - Am - F.

What are major 7 chords? Four-note chords made from a major triad plus the major seventh, such as Cmaj7 (C - E - G - B).