The pop progression
I | V | vi | IV
I–V–vi–IV, the four chords behind a great many hits since the 1980s.
Mandolin · chord progressions
Pop chord progressions
The progressions behind pop songs, most of them four chords long and most of them the same four chords in a different order. Pick a key that suits your voice and press Play to hear each on mandolin.
Style
Key
Chords
Colours
homehome, minorthe pullthe doorthe shadowhalf-lightheroiccinematicdaylight
What each chord does in its key. Press a chord to hear it and read more.The pop progression from its minor chord
vi | IV | I | V
The same four chords started on vi: the same song, in a more wistful mood.
The fifties progression
I | vi | IV | V
I–vi–IV–V, the doo-wop changes, still heard in ballads and retro pop.
Starting on IV
IV | I | V | vi
The four pop chords started on IV, the way much modern pop begins: it floats before it lands.
I–IV–vi–V
I | IV | vi | V
Another order of the same four chords, with the minor chord in the middle: bright, with a moment of feeling.
The royal road
IVmaj7 | V7 | iii7 | vi7
IV–V–iii–vi with sevenths, the favourite of Japanese pop and anime themes.
The suspended pop loop
I | Vsus4 V | vi | IV
The pop progression with a sus4 that resolves inside the fifth chord: a little tension, then release.
The Canon progression
I V | vi iii | IV I | IV V
The chords of Pachelbel’s Canon, two to a bar, which pop songs have borrowed again and again.
I–iii–vi–IV
I | iii | vi | IV
Two minor chords in the middle: a gentle, wistful pop loop.
The minor pop loop
i | VI | III | VII
The four pop chords started on the minor one and heard in the minor key: moody pop.
vi–V–IV–V
vi | V | IV | V
Down from vi and back up, never landing on I: restless pop.
I–IV–I–V
I | IV | I | V
I to IV and back, then V: the bright, simple shape of pop for all ages.
I–V–IV–V
I | V | IV | V
I and V either side of IV: a driving pop-rock loop.
No progression matches. or search every progression ›
Why do so many pop songs use the same four chords?
I, V, vi and IV are the four strongest chords of a major key, and in any order they make a loop that sounds complete: two major chords for brightness, one minor chord for feeling, and V to lead home. Changing the order, or which chord starts the loop, changes the mood while the chords stay the same.
Which keys are best for pop songs on your instrument?
Choose the key that suits your voice; the capo chart shows how to play any key with easy shapes. Change the key of each progression above to hear it higher or lower.
More: happy chord progressions, sad chord progressions, every chord progression.