Common chord progressions

Functional Patterns That Recur Everywhere

Many songs use the same harmonic skeleton again and again. Roman numerals let you track the pattern without tying it to one key, so I-V-vi-IV means the same relationship in C, G, or E.

These progressions work because each chord has a job. I feels like home, V creates pull, and vi and IV add contrast without breaking the key.

Learning the pattern before memorizing dozens of songs makes it much easier to recognize harmony in real music.

I-V-vi-IV in C Major

Study the pop progression I-V-vi-IV in C major: C-G-Am-F. Notice how the loop stays diatonic while still moving through distinct harmonic roles.

Play Common Diatonic Progressions

• Say each numeral before you play it
• Notice how the progression still makes sense when the key changes
• Identify which chord feels most settled and which chord creates the most pull