i–iv–V chord progression
Minor three-chord progression — i–iv–V · also called the 1–4–5 in minor
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The i–iv–V progression is the primary-chord progression in a minor key, with the dominant raised to a major V so it resolves with the same pull it has in major — the classic sound of minor-key folk and rock.
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 A minor the chords are Am – Dm – E; in E minor they are Em – Am – B. 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 minor | Cm – Fm – G |
| C♯ minor | C♯m – F♯m – G♯ |
| D minor | Dm – Gm – A |
| D♯ minor | D♯m – G♯m – A♯ |
| E minor | Em – Am – B |
| F minor | Fm – B♭m – C |
| F♯ minor | F♯m – Bm – C♯ |
| G minor | Gm – Cm – D |
| G♯ minor | G♯m – C♯m – D♯ |
| A minor | Am – Dm – E |
| B♭ minor | B♭m – E♭m – F |
| B minor | Bm – Em – F♯ |
Frequently asked questions
- What chords are in the i–iv–V progression in A minor?
- In A minor the i–iv–V progression is Am – Dm – E. The same numerals give Em – Am – B in E minor; the table above lists all twelve keys.
- What is the i–iv–V progression called?
- i–iv–V is known as the Minor three-chord progression, and also as the 1–4–5 in minor. The i–iv–V progression is the primary-chord progression in a minor key, with the dominant raised to a major V so it resolves with the same pull it has in major — the classic sound of minor-key folk and rock.
- 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.