I–IV–V–IV

This four-bar loop cycles through the three primary blues chords in a symmetrical pattern. The ascending motion to V and descent back to IV creates a rocking, cyclical groove used extensively in blues rock.

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

Genre: blues, rock   Difficulty: beginner

Choose a Key

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

Song Examples