Piano · Level 2 · First steps

The four-chord pop progression on Piano

I–V–vi–IV in all 12 keys.

Don’t just read about The four-chord pop progression on Piano. Play it.

Create a free TempoJam account in 30 seconds. Then try the tuner, metronome and Jam Room free for 14 days and record your first take tonight.

Start freeI teach musicFree account. No card needed to join.
THE SHORT ANSWER

I–V–vi–IV is the most-used progression in modern pop. Once it is comfortable in one key you can play along with a large share of the charts.

Choose a key

C majorC · G · Am · FD♭ majorD♭ · A♭ · B♭m · G♭D majorD · A · Bm · GE♭ majorE♭ · B♭ · Cm · A♭E majorE · B · C♯m · AF majorF · C · Dm · B♭F♯ majorF♯ · C♯ · D♯m · BG majorG · D · Em · CA♭ majorA♭ · E♭ · Fm · D♭A majorA · E · F♯m · DB♭ majorB♭ · F · Gm · E♭B majorB · F♯ · G♯m · E

Listen first: C major

C

C major

Notes: C · E · G

Left hand: C2

G

G major

Notes: G · B · D

Left hand: G2

Am

A minor

Notes: A · C · E

Left hand: A2

F

F major

Notes: F · A · C

Left hand: F2
1
C
2
G
3
Am
4
F

Why it works

Starting on I and ending on IV leaves the phrase slightly open, which invites the loop to repeat.

On another instrument

The four-chord pop progression on Guitar →The four-chord pop progression on Ukulele →The four-chord pop progression on Mandolin →The four-chord pop progression on Banjo →The four-chord pop progression on Violin →The four-chord pop progression on Flute →

Ready to play it for real?

Create my free accountI’m a music teacher
Free account. No card needed to join.