I–vi–IV–V: the 50s chord progression
The 50s progression I–vi–IV–V (C Am F G in C) is the doo-wop loop behind Stand by Me. Hear it, get it in all 12 keys and test your ear.
The 50s progression is I–vi–IV–V: in C major, C – Am – F – G. It was the signature loop of 1950s doo-wop and early rock and roll, and it is the progression of Stand by Me and Earth Angel.
Listen in C major
Or one chord at a time:
What does I–vi–IV–V sound like?
Nostalgic and sweet: bright I, a gentle minor vi, then IV and V building back to the start.
Songs that use I–vi–IV–V
| Song | Where |
|---|---|
| Stand by Me (Ben E. King) | whole song, in A: A F#m D E |
| Earth Angel (The Penguins) | main loop |
Titles only. Listed only when the chords of that section are certain; chords as usually written for that section.
How to recognise it by ear
- The minor chord comes second, right after home: that is the giveaway versus I–V–vi–IV.
- Often played as I–vi–ii–V in jazz, with the ii replacing IV.
- The bass walks 1 → 6 → 4 → 5.
Quick test: which progression?
Each sound plays the chords one after another. Pick the progression.
Score: / 3 (your score updates as you answer)
I–vi–IV–V in all 12 major keys
Chords built from the Roman numerals I vi IV V on each key's own scale.
| Key | Chords | Hear it |
|---|---|---|
| C major | C – Am – F – G | |
| G major | G – Em – C – D | |
| D major | D – Bm – G – A | |
| A major | A – F♯m – D – E | |
| E major | E – C♯m – A – B | |
| B major | B – G♯m – E – F♯ | |
| F♯ major | F♯ – D♯m – B – C♯ | |
| D♭ major | D♭ – B♭m – G♭ – A♭ | |
| A♭ major | A♭ – Fm – D♭ – E♭ | |
| E♭ major | E♭ – Cm – A♭ – B♭ | |
| B♭ major | B♭ – Gm – E♭ – F | |
| F major | F – Dm – B♭ – C |
Frequently asked questions
What are the chords of the 50s progression in C?
C, A minor, F, G. In G: G Em C D. In A: A F sharp minor D E.
Why is it called the 50s progression?
Because it was everywhere in 1950s doo-wop and pop ballads; it is also called the doo-wop progression.
What is the difference between I–vi–IV–V and I–V–vi–IV?
Same four chords in a different order. In the 50s progression the minor vi comes second; in the pop progression it comes third.
Is I–vi–ii–V the same?
A close cousin: the ii chord (D minor in C) replaces IV (F). The two share two notes, so they sound similar.