I–V–IV–V

This four-chord loop anchors on the tonic, bounces between the dominant and subdominant, and returns to the dominant for a driving feel. It creates a powerful, cyclical energy ideal for rock anthems.

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

Genre: rock, pop   Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

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

Song Examples