B major · I – vi – IV – V

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

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

FacebookXWhatsAppTelegramPinterestRedditLinkedInThreadsBlueskyEmail

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

The chords

NumeralChordEasiest shape
IBx21402
viG#m42110x
IVE022100
VF#244322

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 B major

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

Other progressions in B 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 B major?

B – G#m – E – F#.

What notes are in B major?

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

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

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

Get one useful guitar tip a week

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

FacebookXWhatsAppTelegramPinterestRedditLinkedInThreadsBlueskyEmail