Guitar progression
50s Doo-Wop
I – vi – IV – V in C major
1
I
2
vi
3
IV
4
V
About this progression
The sound of slow-dance Saturday nights in 1957. Sweet, predictable, and instantly recognisable — every bar feels like a love letter.
Practice tip — Try a slow ballad strum: down · rest · down-up · down-up. Let each chord ring for a full bar.
Chord shapes
Every unique chord this progression uses. Take your time with each one before stringing them together.
Songs you already know with this progression
- Stand By Me — Ben E. King
- Every Breath You Take — The Police
- Blue Moon — The Marcels
- Earth Angel — The Penguins