I–V–I

The most fundamental progression in Western music: tonic to dominant and back. This creates a complete statement of tension and resolution in just three chords, forming the basis of all tonal harmony.

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

Genre: pop, rock   Difficulty: beginner

Choose a Key

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

Song Examples