Guitar Chord Progressions

A chord progression is a sequence of chords. Learn the pattern once as numerals and play it in any key. Pick a progression and a key to see the exact chords.

I-V-vi-IV

The best-known pop progression ever written. It uses only four chords and works in every key. (I – V – vi – IV)

I-IV-V

The three-chord foundation of rock and roll, folk and country. (I – IV – V)

12-Bar Blues

The most important chord pattern in blues and early rock and roll, one chord per bar across twelve bars. (I – I – I – I – IV – IV – I – I – V – IV – I – V)

I-vi-IV-V (50s progression)

The "doo-wop" progression of the 1950s and 60s. (I – vi – IV – V)

vi-IV-I-V

The same four chords as I-V-vi-IV, but starting on the minor chord, which gives a moodier, more emotional feel. (vi – IV – I – V)

ii-V-I

The cornerstone of jazz harmony: a smooth chain of chords each resolving to the next. (ii7 – V7 – Imaj7)

Canon Progression

The progression from Pachelbel's Canon, a bass line that descends step by step and has been reused in hundreds of pop songs. (I – V – vi – iii – IV – I – IV – V)

I-IV-vi-V

A rising, uplifting pop and rock progression. (I – IV – vi – V)

i-VI-III-VII

A powerful minor-key progression that moves through the major chords of the relative major key. (i – VI – III – VII)

Andalusian Cadence (i-VII-VI-V)

A descending minor-key progression with a flamenco and Spanish flavour. (i – VII – VI – V)

i-iv-v (minor blues)

The minor-key version of the three-chord song, with a darker blues colour. (i – iv – v)

i-VI-VII

A simple, anthemic rock progression with just three chords. (i – VI – VII)