Why Learn Chord Progressions?
Here's the secret: Most songs use the same handful of chord progressions. Once you learn these patterns, you can play thousands of songs! Chord progressions are the backbone of music - they create the emotional journey that makes songs memorable.
Pattern Recognition
Learn once, apply everywhere
Faster Learning
Master songs in minutes, not hours
Write Your Own
Create original music with confidence
Progression Learning Path
Beginner Level - Weeks 1-4
Master the Big 4
Key Progressions:
- • I-V-vi-IV
- • vi-IV-I-V
- • I-vi-IV-V
- • I-IV-V
Learning Goals:
- • Learn basic open chords
- • Practice smooth transitions
- • Play along with simple songs
Next Step: Start with pop and folk progressions
Intermediate Level - Months 2-3
Genre Exploration
Key Progressions:
- • 12-bar blues
- • ii-V-I basics
- • Modal progressions
Learning Goals:
- • Add 7th chords
- • Learn barre chords
- • Understand song structure
Next Step: Explore blues and basic jazz
Advanced Level - Month 4+
Complex Harmony
Key Progressions:
- • Extended jazz
- • Altered dominants
- • Modulation
Learning Goals:
- • Master jazz voicings
- • Write original progressions
- • Improvise over changes
Next Step: Create your own style
Explore by Genre
Essential Blues Guitar Chord Progressions
BeginnerMaster the 10 chord progressions that built the blues - From Robert Johnson to B.B. King
Key Progressions:
Famous Songs:
Johnny B. Goode, Pride and Joy, Sweet Home Chicago
Characteristics:
- • Dominant 7th Chords
- • 12-Bar Structure
- • Emotional Expression
- • Authentic Sound
Essential Rock Guitar Chord Progressions
BeginnerMaster the power chord progressions that built rock music - From The Beatles to AC/DC
Key Progressions:
Famous Songs:
Sweet Child O' Mine, Wild Thing, Don't Stop Believin'
Characteristics:
- • Power Chords
- • Classic Rock
- • Driving Rhythms
- • Iconic Progressions
Essential Pop Guitar Chord Progressions
BeginnerMaster the catchy progressions that power modern pop hits - From The Beatles to Taylor Swift
Key Progressions:
Famous Songs:
Let It Be, Someone Like You, Perfect
Characteristics:
- • Catchy Hooks
- • Radio-Friendly
- • Emotional Accessibility
- • Memorable Melodies
Essential Jazz Guitar Chord Progressions
AdvancedMaster sophisticated jazz harmony - From ii-V-I to complex substitutions
Key Progressions:
Famous Songs:
Autumn Leaves, Fly Me to the Moon, All The Things You Are
Characteristics:
- • Complex Harmony
- • Extended Chords
- • Sophisticated Movement
- • ii-V-I Patterns
Essential Folk Guitar Chord Progressions
BeginnerMaster timeless folk progressions - Simple, pure, and perfect for storytelling
Key Progressions:
Famous Songs:
Blowin' in the Wind, Scarborough Fair, House of Gold
Characteristics:
- • Simple Structure
- • Open Chords
- • Storytelling Focus
- • Timeless Appeal
Essential Country Guitar Chord Progressions
IntermediateMaster classic country progressions - From traditional Nashville to modern country
Key Progressions:
Famous Songs:
Friends in Low Places, Wagon Wheel, Country Roads
Characteristics:
- • Storytelling
- • Major Keys
- • Traditional Harmony
- • Nashville Sound
The Essential 6 Progressions
These six progressions appear in thousands of songs across all genres. Master these and you'll recognize the patterns in most popular music.
I-V-vi-IV
I - V - vi - IV
C - G - Am - F
The most popular progression in modern music
Famous Examples:
- • Let It Be
- • Someone Like You
- • Perfect
vi-IV-I-V
vi - IV - I - V
Am - F - C - G
Creates immediate emotional impact
Famous Examples:
- • What's Up?
- • Zombie
- • Apologize
I-vi-IV-V
I - vi - IV - V
C - Am - F - G
Classic doo-wop and 50s progression
Famous Examples:
- • Stand By Me
- • Every Breath You Take
- • Blue Moon
12-Bar Blues
I-I-I-I-IV-IV-I-I-V-IV-I-V
E-E-E-E-A-A-E-E-B-A-E-B
The foundation of blues, rock, and jazz
Famous Examples:
- • Johnny B. Goode
- • Hound Dog
- • Rock and Roll
ii-V-I
ii - V - I
Dm - G - C
The cornerstone of jazz harmony
Famous Examples:
- • Autumn Leaves
- • Fly Me to the Moon
- • All The Things You Are
I-bVII-IV
I - bVII - IV
D - C - G
Modal rock progression with power
Famous Examples:
- • Sweet Child O' Mine
- • Hey Joe
- • Sympathy for the Devil
Progression Quick Reference
Common Keys
- • Key of C: C - Dm - Em - F - G - Am - Bdim
- • Key of G: G - Am - Bm - C - D - Em - F#dim
- • Key of D: D - Em - F#m - G - A - Bm - C#dim
- • Key of A: A - Bm - C#m - D - E - F#m - G#dim
Roman Numeral System
- • Major chords: I, IV, V (uppercase)
- • Minor chords: ii, iii, vi (lowercase)
- • Diminished: vii° (lowercase with °)
- • Example in C: I=C, ii=Dm, iii=Em, IV=F, V=G, vi=Am, vii°=Bdim
Start Your Progression Journey!
Pick a genre that excites you and dive in. Every progression you learn opens up dozens of new songs!