I–IV–IV–I

Dwelling on the subdominant for two bars in the middle creates a spacious, hymn-like quality. This progression has deep roots in gospel and traditional folk music where simplicity and singability are paramount.

Pattern: I – IV – IV – I   Example in C Major: C – F – F – C

Genre: folk, country   Difficulty: beginner

Choose a Key

C Major C – F – F – C G Major G – C – C – G D Major D – G – G – D A Major A – D – D – A E Major E – A – A – E B Major B – E – E – B F♯ Major F♯ – B – B – F♯ F Major F – B♭ – B♭ – F B♭ Major B♭ – E♭ – E♭ – B♭ E♭ Major E♭ – A♭ – A♭ – E♭ A♭ Major A♭ – D♭ – D♭ – A♭ D♭ Major D♭ – G♭ – G♭ – D♭

Song Examples