Common Chord Progressions
Most songs are built on a handful of chord progressions. Pick one below, choose a key, and see every chord with its chord diagram. Then press Play along to hear it strummed at the tempo and strum pattern you choose. It’s free and works on your phone, tablet or computer.
How to use the progressions tool
- Choose a progression. Start with the pop progression if you’re not sure. It’s in countless songs.
- Pick a key. The chords change to match, and each one shows its diagram so you know how to play it.
- Set the tempo and strum pattern. Start slowly. You can speed up once the changes feel easy.
- Press Play along. The current chord lights up, so you always know what comes next.
- Look for the capo tip. If a key has awkward chords, the tool suggests easier shapes to play with a capo.
The most popular chord progressions
Here are the progressions in the tool, with the chords in an easy key so you can try them straight away.
| Progression | Numerals | Example chords |
|---|---|---|
| The pop progression | I–V–vi–IV | G – D – Em – C |
| The 50s progression | I–vi–IV–V | G – Em – C – D |
| Three-chord trick | I–IV–V–I | G – C – D – G |
| Emotional pop | vi–IV–I–V | Em – C – G – D |
| Canon progression | I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V | G – D – Em – Bm – C – G – C – D |
| Rock I–♭VII–IV | I–♭VII–IV–I | G – F – C – G |
| Jazz ii–V–I | ii7–V7–Imaj7 | Dm7 – G7 – Cmaj7 |
| 12-bar blues | I7–IV7–V7 over 12 bars | A7 – D7 – E7 |
| Andalusian cadence | i–VII–VI–V | Am – G – F – E |
| Minor anthem | i–VI–III–VII | Am – F – C – G |
What do the Roman numerals mean?
Roman numerals describe a progression without tying it to one key. Each numeral is a step of the scale: I is the key’s home chord, IV is built on the fourth note, V on the fifth, and so on.
- Upper case (I, IV, V) means a major chord.
- Lower case (ii, iii, vi) means a minor chord.
- A 7 or maj7 adds a seventh, as in V7 or Imaj7.
- A flat sign (♭VII) means the chord is borrowed from outside the key, which is common in rock.
So I–V–vi–IV is G–D–Em–C in the key of G, but C–G–Am–F in the key of C. Learn the pattern once and you can play it in any key.
Using a capo to play in any key
Some keys are full of barre chords. A capo lets you keep using easy open shapes and still play in the right key. For example, a song in B♭ is much easier as G shapes with a capo on the 3rd fret. The tool shows these suggestions for you when there’s an easier option.
Tips for practising progressions
- Go slow first. Clean, steady changes at a slow tempo beat rushed ones at full speed.
- Look ahead. Start moving your fingers to the next chord on the last strum of the bar.
- Keep strumming. Keep your strumming hand moving even if a chord isn’t perfect yet. Your fretting hand will catch up.
- Change keys. Once a progression feels easy, play it in another key to learn new chords.
Fresh strings make every progression sound better. Find guitar strings and picks in the shop, or book a setup if your guitar is hard to play.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common chord progression?
I–V–vi–IV, often called the pop progression. In the key of G it’s G, D, Em and C, and you’ll hear it in a huge number of pop and rock songs.
Which progression should beginners learn first?
The three-chord trick (I–IV–V) or the pop progression in G. Both use easy open chords.
Can I change the strumming?
Yes. Choose from four strum patterns, from simple down strums to a blues shuffle, and set the tempo that suits you.
Is it free?
Yes. There’s no sign-up and nothing to install.
More free guitar tools
All of these tools are part of GuitarBuddy Play, a free app with beginner guitar lessons too.