I - iii - IV - V Chord Progression
Uses the mediant for a subtle lift before the dominant.
Select a key below to see the progression transposed. Click any chord to open its diagram and fingering.
Chords in the key of C:
One chord per bar (4/4). Loops until you pause.
Major scale in C
Highlighted chords appear in this progression.
- CI
- Dmii
- Emiii
- FIV
- GV
- Amvi
- Bdimvii°
Practice improvisation
Jam session: try soloing with the built-in progression player, or use a metronome to lock in your timing.
For a simple rule that usually sounds good, match the root of the scale to the key you chose above (C): use C major pentatonic. The notes line up with that tonal center so your lines feel connected to the chords. Borrowed or altered chords can add color, but this major pentatonic is still a reliable starting point for practice.
C major pentatonic, position 1
All keys at a glance
This progression works in all twelve keys — here are the chords for each.
Songs that use this progression
- She Will Be Loved
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