Piano Chord Progressions

Common chord progressions with keyboard diagrams showing which keys to play

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 Piano

1.Start with root position — play each chord with the root note as the lowest note. This builds your foundation.
2.Learn inversions — rearranging chord notes so your hand moves less between chords. This makes progressions sound smoother.
3.Add the left hand — play the root note (or root and fifth) with your left hand while your right hand plays the full chord.
4.Experiment with rhythm — try playing chords as whole notes first, then add arpeggios or rhythmic patterns.

Transposing Progressions on Piano

One advantage of piano is that transposing is visual — every key follows the same pattern of whole and half steps. Visit our chord progressions page to see any progression transposed to all 12 keys instantly.

All Piano Chords All Progressions (Any Key)