I–IV–V

The I–IV–V progression uses only the three major chords of a key, making it the simplest and most universal harmonic framework. It drives countless folk, blues, rock, and country songs with its open, unresolved energy. Many musicians learn this as their very first chord progression.

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

Genre: folk, blues, rock, country Difficulty: beginner

Choose a Key

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

Song Examples

Johnny B. Goode, Chuck Berry
Hound Dog, Elvis Presley
Louie Louie, The Kingsmen

Related Progressions

I–IV–V–I–major i–iv–v–natural–minor I–♭VII–IV–major