I–IV–V chord progression
Three-chord progression — I–IV–V · also called the 1–4–5, three-chord trick
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Be the first to rate this toolI–IV–V chord progression — how it works
The I–IV–V progression uses only the three major chords of the key — the primary chords — so it is the simplest complete harmony there is, and the backbone of rock and roll, folk, country and punk.
It moves from the tonic (I) to the subdominant (IV) to the dominant (V) and then repeats. Each chord lasts 4 beats, so one pass of the 3 chords is 3 bars of 4/4.
In C major the chords are C – F – G; in G major they are G – C – D. Press play above to hear the progression, then pick the key that fits your voice or your song and set the tempo you want to practise at.
I–IV–V in every key
The numerals stay the same; only the chords change. Find your key below, or pick it in the player above to hear it.
| Key | Chords |
|---|---|
| C major | C – F – G |
| D♭ major | D♭ – G♭ – A♭ |
| D major | D – G – A |
| E♭ major | E♭ – A♭ – B♭ |
| E major | E – A – B |
| F major | F – B♭ – C |
| F♯ major | F♯ – B – C♯ |
| G major | G – C – D |
| A♭ major | A♭ – D♭ – E♭ |
| A major | A – D – E |
| B♭ major | B♭ – E♭ – F |
| B major | B – E – F♯ |
Songs that use it
Well-known songs built on this progression, at least in the section each is known for:
- La Bamba — Ritchie Valens
- Twist and Shout — The Beatles
- Blitzkrieg Bop — Ramones
Frequently asked questions
- What chords are in the I–IV–V progression in C major?
- In C major the I–IV–V progression is C – F – G. The same numerals give G – C – D in G major; the table above lists all twelve keys.
- What is the I–IV–V progression called?
- I–IV–V is known as the Three-chord progression, and also as the 1–4–5 and three-chord trick. The I–IV–V progression uses only the three major chords of the key — the primary chords — so it is the simplest complete harmony there is, and the backbone of rock and roll, folk, country and punk.
- How long is the I–IV–V progression?
- Each chord lasts 4 beats, so one pass of the 3 chords is 3 bars of 4/4. Loop it to keep the harmony going under a verse or a solo.
- What songs use the I–IV–V progression?
- "La Bamba" by Ritchie Valens, "Twist and Shout" by The Beatles and "Blitzkrieg Bop" by Ramones are built on it, at least in the section each is known for.