Songwriting
Chord Progressions for Beginners
A chord progression is a repeating path through a key. Roman numerals let you move that path to any key.
I-IV-VC - F - G
I-V-vi-IVC - G - Am - F
ii-V-IDm - G - C
I-IV-V
This is one of the strongest progressions in popular music. In C major it is C, F, and G. The V chord creates tension that resolves naturally to I.
I-V-vi-IV
In C major this becomes C, G, Am, and F. It balances brightness with the emotional pull of the relative minor chord.
ii-V-I
This progression is common in jazz, soul, and R&B. In C major it is Dm, G, and C. It strongly points back to the tonic chord.
Explore the chords
Use Chords & Scales to see each chord shape on guitar or keyboard.
Open C Major Chord