Guitar Chord Progression Chart
Chord progressions are the sequence of chords that form the harmony of a song. Learning common progressions helps you play thousands of songs, improvise, and write your own music. This chart shows the most popular progressions in both major and minor keys, with examples in easy keys like C and G, so you can practice them on guitar right away.
Whether you're a beginner learning your first songs or an experienced guitarist looking to expand your repertoire, understanding chord progressions is essential. The progressions on this page are organized by difficulty level, from simple three-chord patterns to more complex jazz and modal sequences. Each progression includes real song examples so you can hear them in context.
Using the Roman numeral system (I, IV, V, etc.), you can learn a progression once and play it in any key. This makes it easy to transpose songs to match your vocal range or play with other musicians. Start with the beginner progressions in major keys, then work your way through the minor key progressions for more emotional depth.
What Are Guitar Chord Progressions?
A chord progression is a series of chords played in sequence that creates the harmonic foundation of a song. Different progressions evoke different emotions and are characteristic of different musical styles.
The progressions on this page use Roman numeral notation (I, IV, V for major; i, iv, v for minor) to show the relationship between chords independent of key. This system allows you to learn one progression and apply it to any key on the guitar fretboard.
How to combine progressions with scales
Many guitarists ask: "Which scale fits this progression?" The simplest answer is often the same key as the progression: use a scale whose root matches the key you are playing in.
Match the root. For the scale to feel at home over the chords, start from the same tonal center as your progression. For example, if you are in A minor and playing the i–VII–VI–V pattern (Am–G–F–E), A minor pentatonic will almost always work as a first choice. The one tricky spot is the E chord – it has a G# in it, so the G note from the scale can sound slightly sharp there. Try treating it as a quick passing note, or just pause on a safer note (A, E or B) when that chord comes around.
In a major key, the same idea applies with major pentatonic on that key's root (for example C major pentatonic over progressions in C). Some chords may add a little tension, but matching the root is still the most practical rule for practice and jamming.
Every progression detail page (for example i–VII–VI–V) includes a Practice improvisation box: pick your key, then follow the link to the matching pentatonic fretboard so you can solo along with the built-in player or a metronome.
Common Major Key Guitar Chord Progressions
These progressions use chords from the major scale. They tend to sound bright and uplifting and are the basis of most pop, rock, and country music.
I - IV - V
Classic rock and blues. The backbone of countless hits.
Songs: Wild Thing, La Bamba, Twist and Shout
I - V - vi - IV
Pop progression / "Axis of Awesome". Used in hundreds of songs.
Songs: Let It Be, Don't Stop Believin', With or Without You
I - vi - IV - V
50s progression. Doo-wop and classic ballads.
Songs: Stand By Me, Every Breath You Take
I - vi - ii - V
Jazz standard. Smooth, sophisticated movement.
Songs: Fly Me to the Moon, Autumn Leaves
I - iii - IV - V
Uses the mediant for a subtle lift before the dominant.
Songs: She Will Be Loved
I - IV - vi - V
Emotional pop. The vi adds a touch of melancholy.
Songs: Apologize, Complicated
I - V - IV
Simple three-chord punch. Modern pop and rock.
Songs: Blinding Lights, Perfect
I - ii - V
Jazz and gospel. The ii acts as a pre-dominant.
Songs: Common in jazz
I - iii - vi - IV
Moody and introspective. Great for verses.
Songs: Iris, Creep
I - V - vi - iii - IV
Canon progression. Circular, cascading resolution pattern.
Songs: Canon in D, Pachelbel variations
Common Minor Key Guitar Chord Progressions
Minor progressions use chords from the natural minor scale (and sometimes borrowed chords). They often sound darker, sadder, or more dramatic.
i - VII - VI - V
Andalusian cadence. Descending bass line with dramatic resolution to major V.
Songs: Hit the Road Jack, Runaway
i - iv - V
Classic minor. Strong resolution to the tonic.
Songs: Summertime, House of the Rising Sun
i - VI - III - VII
Uplifting minor. Borrowed major chords add hope.
Songs: Losing My Religion, With or Without You
i - III - VII - VI
Rock minor. Driving and anthemic.
Songs: Zombie, Otherside
i - VII - VI - iv
Natural minor cadence. Softer resolution — ends on subdominant instead of dominant.
Songs: Scarborough Fair, The Sounds of Silence
i - iv - VI - V
Flamenco flavor. Passionate and dramatic.
Songs: Common in flamenco
i - v - iv - V
Modal jazz. Uses natural minor scale with harmonic V chord (major dominant). Requires understanding of harmonic minor scale.
Songs: Modal jazz progressions
i - III - VI - VII
Epic minor. Builds intensity.
Songs: Creep, Zombie
Most Popular Progressions
I - V - vi - IV (The “Axis of Awesome”)
This four-chord progression is so common in pop that the comedy group Axis of Awesome built an entire song around it, switching between dozens of hits that all use the same pattern. It works because it balances stability (I and IV), tension (V), and emotional color (vi, the relative minor). The movement from V to vi creates a “deceptive” resolution that keeps the loop going—perfect for verses and choruses.
Examples in different keys
Famous songs:
Let It Be, Don't Stop Believin', With or Without You, No Woman No Cry, Someone Like You, I'm Yours, She Will Be Loved, When I Come Around, Save Tonight, You're Beautiful, and many more.
I - IV - V (The Classic)
The I-IV-V progression is the foundation of rock, blues, and country. It uses only three chords—tonic, subdominant, and dominant—so it's easy to learn and instantly recognizable. In blues, it's often played as 7th chords (I7-IV7-V7) and repeated in a 12-bar pattern.
Examples
Famous songs:
Wild Thing, La Bamba, Twist and Shout, Louie Louie, Johnny B. Goode, Rock Around the Clock, and countless blues standards.
i - VI - VII - V (Andalusian Cadence)
The Andalusian cadence (i-VI-VII-V) comes from flamenco and classical music. It has a dramatic, slightly exotic feel because it uses the natural minor scale and the major V chord for a strong resolution. The bass often descends (e.g. Am-G-F-E), which adds to the emotional pull.
Examples
Famous songs:
Stairway to Heaven (intro), Hit the Road Jack, Runaway, and many film and game themes.
I - vi - IV - V (50s Progression)
The I-vi-IV-V progression defined the sound of 1950s doo-wop and early rock and roll. It creates a smooth, circular motion that's perfect for verses and has been used in thousands of songs across multiple decades.
Examples
Famous songs:
Stand By Me, Every Breath You Take, Unchained Melody, Blue Moon, and countless doo-wop classics.
ii - V - I (Jazz Standard)
The ii-V-I progression is the cornerstone of jazz harmony. It creates strong forward motion through a circle of fifths movement and appears in virtually every jazz standard. The ii chord (often played as ii7) acts as a pre-dominant that leads smoothly to the V chord, which then resolves to I.
Examples
Famous songs:
Autumn Leaves, Fly Me to the Moon, All the Things You Are, and most jazz standards.
How to Use This Chart
Roman numeral system: Uppercase numerals (I, IV, V) mean major chords; lowercase (i, iv, v) mean minor. The number tells you which scale degree the chord is built on—I is the root, IV is the fourth, V is the fifth. So in the key of C, I = C, IV = F, V = G; in G, I = G, IV = C, V = D.
Transposing:Once you know a progression in one key, you can move it to any key by replacing each numeral with the correct chord for that key. For example, I-IV-V in C is C-F-G; in G it's G-C-D.
Using a capo: If a song is in F or Bb and you find barre chords hard, put the capo on (e.g. 3rd fret) and play the same progression using the easier shapes from C or G. The capo raises the pitch so you get the original key with simpler chords.
Practical example: To play “Let It Be” in C, use C-G-Am-F (I-V-vi-IV). To play it in G, use G-D-Em-C. The pattern is the same; only the chords change.
Understanding Chord Functions
Each chord in a key has a “function”—a role it typically plays in the harmony. Knowing these helps you understand why progressions sound the way they do.
Tonic (I)
Home base. Feels stable and resolved. Most progressions start or end here.
Dominant (V)
Creates tension and wants to resolve back to I. The “engine” of most progressions.
Subdominant (IV)
Moves you away from home. Often leads to V (IV-V-I) or adds color before returning to I.
Relative Minor (vi)
Shares notes with I but sounds sadder. Adds emotional contrast in major-key progressions.
Supertonic (ii)
Pre-dominant. Often leads to V (ii-V-I). Common in jazz and ballads.
Mediant (iii)
Ambiguous and transitional. Can sound like a substitute for I or lead toward vi. Adds variety.
Chord Progressions FAQ
What is the most common chord progression?
The I-V-vi-IV progression (like C-G-Am-F) is the most common in modern pop music. The I-IV-V progression is the most common in rock, blues, and country.
How do I memorize chord progressions?
Learn the Roman numeral system so you can recognize patterns across different keys. Practice common progressions in multiple keys. Listen to songs and identify their progressions.
What chord progressions should beginners learn first?
Start with I-IV-V, I-V-vi-IV, and vi-IV-I-V in the keys of C, G, and D. These cover the majority of popular songs and use beginner-friendly chords.
Can I use these progressions for songwriting?
Yes! Chord progressions are not copyrightable. These progressions are musical building blocks used across countless songs. What makes your song unique is the melody, lyrics, and rhythm.
Why do some progressions sound happy and others sad?
Major key progressions (I, IV, V) generally sound happy or uplifting, while minor key progressions (i, iv, v) sound sad or contemplative. The choice of chords and their relationships create different emotional colors.
What does the Roman numeral system mean?
Roman numerals represent chords built on each scale degree. I is the root, IV is the fourth, V is the fifth, etc. Uppercase means major, lowercase means minor.
What scale can I play over this chord progression?
Start by matching the key: in minor, use minor pentatonic on the same root (for example A minor pentatonic over i–VII–VI–V in A minor). In major, use major pentatonic on that root. Each progression page suggests the pentatonic for the key you select. For background, see How to combine progressions with scales.
Tips for Practicing Guitar Chord Progressions
Start Slow
Practice each progression slowly with a metronome, focusing on clean chord changes. Speed comes naturally with repetition.
Learn in Multiple Keys
Once you know a progression in one key, practice it in C, G, D, and A. This builds finger memory and makes transposing easier.
Use a Strumming Pattern
Apply different strumming patterns to the same progression to create different feels - try down strums, down-up patterns, or fingerpicking.
Play Along with Songs
Find songs that use the progressions you're learning and play along. This develops your timing and makes practice more enjoyable.
Related Guitar Resources
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Ready to Learn These Chords?
Browse our chord library for diagrams, fingerings, and practice tips for every chord in these progressions. Start with the beginner chords and work through the progressions in easy keys like C and G.
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