Chord Progressions
Common chord progressions for guitar, piano, and ukulele — with diagrams in any key
Popular Progressions
The chord progressions behind the biggest hits. These patterns appear in pop, rock, country, and folk music.
I - V - vi - IV
The most popular progression in modern music. Used in countless pop, rock, and country hits. Sometimes called the "four chord song" progression.
I - IV - V
The foundation of rock and roll. Simple, powerful, and timeless. The three major chords in any key form the backbone of Western music.
vi - IV - I - V
Starting on the minor vi chord gives this progression a more emotional, dramatic feel. Very common in modern pop ballads.
I - vi - IV - V
The classic 1950s "doo-wop" progression. Creates a satisfying cycle that has been used from early rock and roll through modern pop.
I - IV
The simplest progression — just two chords alternating back and forth. Surprisingly effective and used in folk, rock, and singer-songwriter music.
Jazz Progressions
Essential jazz harmony. These progressions form the backbone of jazz standards and improvisation.
ii - V - I
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.
I - vi - ii - V
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.
Blues Progressions
The foundation of blues music. These patterns drive blues, early rock and roll, and jam sessions.
I - I - IV - I - V - IV - I - V
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.
Minor Key Progressions
Darker, moodier progressions in minor keys. Common in rock, metal, film scores, and dramatic pop.
i - VII - VI
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.
i - iv - v
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.
What Is a Chord Progression?
A chord progression is a sequence of chords played in order. Progressions are the harmonic foundation of a song — they create the mood, tension, and resolution that make music feel the way it does. Most popular music uses the same handful of progressions in different keys.
Reading Roman Numeral Notation
Musicians use Roman numerals to describe chord progressions independent of any specific key. Each numeral represents a scale degree — the position of the chord's root note within the major scale.
- Uppercase (I, IV, V) — major chords
- Lowercase (ii, iii, vi) — minor chords
- vii° — diminished chord built on the 7th degree
- V7 — dominant 7th chord on the 5th degree
How to Use This Page
Each progression card shows the chords in a default key. Use the key selector dropdown to transpose the progression to any key. Click the instrument links below each chord to see the full chord diagram with finger positions for guitar, piano, or ukulele.