Guitar Chord Progressions

Common chord progressions with fretboard diagrams and finger positions

Popular Progressions

The chord progressions behind countless pop, rock, and country hits.

I - V - vi - IV

Key of C

The most popular progression in modern music. Used in countless pop, rock, and country hits. Sometimes called the "four chord song" progression.

C

G

Am

F

I - IV - V

Key of G

The foundation of rock and roll. Simple, powerful, and timeless. The three major chords in any key form the backbone of Western music.

G

C

D

vi - IV - I - V

Key of C

Starting on the minor vi chord gives this progression a more emotional, dramatic feel. Very common in modern pop ballads.

Am

F

C

G

I - vi - IV - V

Key of C

The classic 1950s "doo-wop" progression. Creates a satisfying cycle that has been used from early rock and roll through modern pop.

C

Am

F

G

I - IV

Key of D

The simplest progression — just two chords alternating back and forth. Surprisingly effective and used in folk, rock, and singer-songwriter music.

D

G

I - V

Key of A

Another two-chord staple. The tension between the tonic and dominant creates forward motion that never gets old.

A

E

Jazz Progressions

Essential jazz harmony for standards and improvisation.

ii - V - I

Key of C

The most important progression in jazz. The ii-V-I movement creates smooth voice leading and harmonic resolution. Every jazz musician needs to master this in all 12 keys.

Dm

G7

C

I - vi - ii - V

Key of C

Known as "rhythm changes" or a turnaround, this progression cycles through related chords in a satisfying loop. Common in jazz standards and Great American Songbook tunes.

C

Am

Dm

G7

iii - vi - ii - V - I

Key of C

An extended turnaround that descends through the circle of fifths. Each chord resolves naturally to the next, creating effortless harmonic motion.

Em

Am

Dm

G7

C

Blues Progressions

The foundation of blues, early rock and roll, and jam sessions.

I - I - IV - I - V - IV - I - V

Key of E

The 12-bar blues simplified to its core changes. This is the foundation of blues, early rock and roll, and countless jam sessions. Usually played with dominant 7th chords throughout.

E

A

E

B7

A

E

B7

I - IV - I - V

Key of A

A compact blues progression with a "quick change" to the IV chord. Great for blues turnarounds and shorter phrases.

A

D

A

E7

Minor Key Progressions

Darker progressions common in rock, metal, and film scores.

i - VII - VI

Key of A

A descending minor progression common in rock and metal. The natural minor scale produces major chords on the VII and VI degrees, creating a powerful downward pull.

Am

G

F

i - iv - v

Key of E

The minor key equivalent of I-IV-V. All three chords are minor, creating a darker, moodier feel common in rock, metal, and minor-key pop songs.

Em

Am

Bm

i - VI - III - VII

Key of A

An epic-sounding minor progression. The move from the minor tonic through the relative major creates drama and emotional depth. Popular in film scores and anthemic rock.

Am

F

C

G

How to Practice Chord Progressions on Guitar

1.Learn each chord individually — make sure every note rings clearly before trying to switch between chords.
2.Practice transitions — pick two chords and switch between them slowly. Focus on accuracy before speed.
3.Use a metronome — start at 60 BPM with one strum per beat. Increase tempo as the transitions become automatic.
4.Try different keys — once you know a progression in one key, learn it in others to build fluency across the fretboard.

Transposing Progressions

Every progression on this page works in any key. For example, I-V-vi-IV in the key of C is C-G-Am-F, but in the key of G it becomes G-D-Em-C. Visit our chord progressions page to transpose any progression to all 12 keys with an interactive key selector.

Beginner Guitar Chords All Guitar Chords All Progressions (Any Key)