Guitar progression
Three-Chord Rock
I – IV – V in G major
1
I
2
IV
3
V
About this progression
The foundation of folk, country, punk and early rock. Three chords, infinite songs. If you can change between G, C and D without stopping the strum, you can play music for the rest of your life.
Practice tip — Use a pivot finger: leave your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the high E across G → C → D for a cleaner change.
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
- Sweet Home Alabama — Lynyrd Skynyrd
- Twist and Shout — The Beatles
- Wild Thing — The Troggs
- Bad Moon Rising — CCR
- Knockin' on Heaven\'s Door — Bob Dylan