Bb major · I – V – vi – IV

I-V-vi-IV Chord Progression in Bb major

In Bb major the I-V-vi-IV progression is Bb – F – Gm – Eb.

The best-known pop progression ever written. It uses only four chords and works in every key. Let It Be, No Woman No Cry and With or Without You all follow this pattern.

The chords

Numeral	Chord	Easiest shape
I	Bb	`x10331`
V	F	`10321x`
vi	Gm	`3100xx`
IV	Eb	`x65046`

How to practise

Strum it with simple down-ups and change chords on beat one of each bar. When the changes feel natural, add a bass-note walk between chords.

Play one chord per bar at 60 BPM with a simple down-strum on each beat.
Raise the tempo by 5 BPM once you can play eight rounds without a mistake.
Change the strumming pattern: down, down-up, up-down-up.

Key facts about Bb major

Bb major contains the notes Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G, A. See the full Bb Major scale with fretboard diagrams, and use it to solo over the progression.

I-V-vi-IV in other keys

C major Db major D major Eb major E major F major F# major G major Ab major A major B major

Other progressions in Bb major

I-IV-V 12-Bar Blues I-vi-IV-V (50s progression)vi-IV-I-V ii-V-I Canon Progression

FAQ

What are the chords of I-V-vi-IV in Bb major?

Bb – F – Gm – Eb.

What notes are in Bb major?

Bb major contains Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G, A.

Which scale can I solo with over I-V-vi-IV in Bb major?

The Bb major scale fits, and the major pentatonic scale from Bb is the easiest choice.

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