Chord progressions: hear the 10 most common
The chord sequences behind most songs, playable in any key, with the songs that use them and a quiz for each.
A chord progression is a series of chords written with Roman numerals so it works in any key. The most common are I–V–vi–IV (C G Am F, the pop progression), I–IV–V (rock, folk, blues), ii–V–I (jazz) and the 12-bar blues. Each one below can be played and heard in all 12 keys.
Hear them in C
Chord progression chart: the chords of C major
Every major key has the same pattern of chords on its seven notes. Replace C with any key and the numerals stay the same.
| Numeral | Chord in C | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| I | C | major |
| ii | Dm | minor |
| iii | Em | minor |
| IV | F | major |
| V | G | major |
| vi | Am | minor |
| vii° | Bdim | diminished |
All progressions at a glance
| Progression | Numerals | In C major / A minor |
|---|---|---|
| I–V–vi–IV | I V vi IV | C G Am F |
| I–IV–V | I IV V I | C F G C |
| 50s progression | I vi IV V | C Am F G |
| vi–IV–I–V | vi IV I V | Am F C G |
| ii–V–I | ii7 V7 Imaj7 | Dm7 G7 Cmaj7 |
| 12-bar blues | I7 I7 I7 I7 IV7 IV7 I7 I7 V7 IV7 I7 V7 | C7 C7 C7 C7 F7 F7 C7 C7 G7 F7 C7 G7 |
| Pachelbel's Canon | I V vi iii IV I IV V | C G Am Em F C F G |
| Andalusian cadence | i VII VI V | Am G F E |
| i–VI–III–VII | i VI III VII | Am F C G |
| Royal road | IVmaj7 V7 iii7 vi | Fmaj7 G7 Em7 Am |
Frequently asked questions
What is a chord progression?
A sequence of chords played one after another. Progressions are written with Roman numerals (I, IV, V, vi...) so the same pattern can be played in any key.
What is the most common chord progression?
In pop, I–V–vi–IV (C G Am F in C). In rock, folk and blues, I–IV–V. In jazz, ii–V–I.
What do the Roman numerals mean?
Each numeral is a scale degree: I is the chord on the 1st note of the key, V on the 5th. Upper case means a major chord, lower case a minor chord, ° diminished.
How do I learn chord progressions by ear?
Start by hearing where the music feels at home (I), then learn to hear the bass move. Train with I, IV and V first, then add vi and ii.