A major · I – vi – IV – V

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

In A major the I-vi-IV-V (50s progression) progression is A – F#m – D – E.

FacebookXWhatsAppTelegramPinterestRedditLinkedInThreadsBlueskyEmail

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

The chords

NumeralChordEasiest shape
IAx02220
viF#mxx4222
IVDxx0232
VE022100

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 A major

A major contains the notes A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G#. See the full A 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 majorAb majorBb majorB major

Other progressions in A 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 A major?

A – F#m – D – E.

What notes are in A major?

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

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

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

Get one useful guitar tip a week

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

FacebookXWhatsAppTelegramPinterestRedditLinkedInThreadsBlueskyEmail