Guitar progression
The Four-Chord Pop Progression
I – V – vi – IV in C major
1
I
2
V
3
vi
4
IV
About this progression
Quite possibly the most-used chord progression in modern pop. It rises, falls, lifts and resolves — all in four bars. Once you can play it cleanly you can busk through hundreds of songs without changing a single chord.
Practice tip — Strum down-down-up-up-down-up on each chord. Hold the F as a mini-barre (just the top two strings) until your fingers get stronger.
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
- Let It Be — The Beatles
- No Woman, No Cry — Bob Marley
- Don't Stop Believin' — Journey
- With or Without You — U2
- Someone Like You — Adele