Ab major · I – vi – IV – V

I-vi-IV-V (50s progression) Chord Progression in Ab major

In Ab major the I-vi-IV-V (50s progression) progression is Ab – Fm – Db – Eb.

FacebookXWhatsAppTelegramPinterestRedditLinkedInThreadsBlueskyEmail

The "doo-wop" progression of the 1950s and 60s. Stand By Me is the classic example.

The chords

NumeralChordEasiest shape
IAb43111x
viFmxx3111
IVDb98666x
VEbx65046

How to practise

Swing the strumming with a slight triplet feel to get the doo-wop vibe.

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

Key facts about Ab major

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

I-vi-IV-V (50s progression) in other keys

C majorDb majorD majorEb majorE majorF majorF# majorG majorA majorBb majorB major

Other progressions in Ab major

I-V-vi-IVI-IV-V12-Bar Bluesvi-IV-I-Vii-V-ICanon Progression

FAQ

What are the chords of I-vi-IV-V (50s progression) in Ab major?

Ab – Fm – Db – Eb.

What notes are in Ab major?

Ab major contains Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, G.

Which scale can I solo with over I-vi-IV-V (50s progression) in Ab major?

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

Get one useful guitar tip a week

New chord guides, practice ideas and app updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

FacebookXWhatsAppTelegramPinterestRedditLinkedInThreadsBlueskyEmail