C major · I – V – vi – IV

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

In C major the I-V-vi-IV progression is C – G – Am – F.

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	C	`x32010`
V	G	`32000x`
vi	Am	`x02210`
IV	F	`10321x`

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 C major

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

I-V-vi-IV in other keys

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

Other progressions in C 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 C major?

C – G – Am – F.

What notes are in C major?

C major contains C, D, E, F, G, A, B.

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

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

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