Top 7 Guitar Chord Progressions Every Musician Should Know

If you want to get into songwriting or get somebody to jam with, this blog is for you to master guitar chord progressions. 

With the evolution of music, we’ve got some chord progressions for guitarists since that sounds really good. It’s not like some formula you must stick to, but these chord sequences are genuinely effective tools. 

However, you can go completely free from songwriting and choose whatever chords you like. But for the first time trying to write a tune, it can be helpful to have a kind of starting point. 

So, here we take 7 common chord progressions and explain them so you can play them. 

Guitar Chord Progression Simplified

Chords are fundamental to almost every musical style. They set the mood and intensity of a song and provide structure to the melody. A chord progression in music consists of two or more chords performed consecutively, each of which equals three notes. Regularly, this pattern appears in verses, choruses, or bridges.

The scale and key of the song determine its general mood. Subsequently, the composition begins with the first chord and ends with the last chord. It is up to the composer to decide what occurs in that space. To keep things simple but exciting, composers use up to two or three center chords in most contemporary songs.

You may write chord sequences on paper with the scale degree indicated by Roman Numerals. While 7 degrees is the most common scale degree, it is not necessarily true for every key and scale. Chord progressions written in numbers allow composers to perform them in whatever key and scale they choose. Using Roman numerals facilitates understanding and modification of the same chord sequence in many keys and scales.

7 Common Guitar Chord Progression For Beginners 

There are many guitar chord progressions based on the genre and style that you want to play. But here, we’ll discuss the common beginner chord progressions. 

1. I – V – vi – IV (Major Key) C- G- AM – F: Pop-Punk Progression 

Key	I	V	vi	IV
G Major Key	G	D	Em	C
A Major Key	A	E	F#m	D
C Major Key	C	G	Am	F
D Major Key	D	A	Bm	G
E Major Key	E	B	C#m	A

The first progression we mention is the I, V, VI, and IV sequence. Popularized in the 90s, it is also common in pop music and many famous rock and roll hits like “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey and “Let It Be” by The Beatles. 

Basis on the Key C major, this progression plays as:

I-V-VI-IV= 1-5-6-4 = C-G-Am-F 

Here, the I chord is C Major, the V chord is G Major, the Vi chord is A Minor, and the IV chord is F Major Chord. 

Start practicing this chord progression by playing each C-G-AM-F chord four times. Then, speed up your strumming, shifting between the chords at a fast-paced pace. 

If you want to get into songwriting, this is the lovely one to improvise over and experiment later on. You can easily recognize the C-G-Am-F progression and inspire your practice by hearing it in songs like “Beast of Burden” and Taylor’s “Bad Blood.” 

2. vi – IV – I – V (Minor Key) AM-F-C-G Progression

Key	vi	IV	I	V
A Minor Key	Am	F	C	G
E Minor Key	Em	C	G	D
B Minor Key	Bm	G	D	A

The next one is the configured chord progression that kicks off the tone with its unique minor chord progression. Using the major C scale, here’s the formula for this progression: 

vi – IV – I – V = 6-4-1-5 = AM-F-C-G Progression

Here, vi is the Am, IV is the F Major chord, I is the C Major chord, and V is the G major chord. 

Though minor chords usually relate more likely as an oppressively solemn or sober mood, kickoffing this progression with the A Minor chord doesn’t downgrade it to a sad tone. Instead, it becomes a versatile progression while pairing the F-C-G chords with the A Minor chord. 

You can listen to diverse tunes like the romantic and fascinating “Save Tonight” by Eagle Eye Cherry, Boston’s riff-laden track “Peace of Mind,” and “Love Me” by Justin Bieber. 

3. XII – VII – X – VII (Blues Progression)

Key	XII	VII	X	VII
E Major Key	E7	A7	D7	A7

XII – VII – X to VII is an easy-to-learn yet powerful chord progression. Its pleasant development in E major provides a feeling of forward momentum and finality. 

The formula of this chord progression is 

XII – VII – X – VII = 12-7-10-7 = E7-A7-D7-A7

Here, XII is the E Major 7th chord, VII is the A Major 7th chord, X is the D Major 7th chord, and VII is the A Major 7th chord. 

Try strumming each chord in a different rhythm or equally for a more personalized sound. Try out several tempos to find the one that suits you best! 

4. ii – V – I (Jazz Progression)

ii	V	I
Dm7	G7	Cmaj7
Em7	A7	Dmaj7
Gm7	C7	Fmaj7
Am7	D7	Gmaj7
Bm7	E7	Amaj7

The ii-V-I is undoubtedly one of the most famous jazz progressions. To your utter surprise, some common jazz chord progressions are nothing but an II Vs series. 

Whether harmonically or rhythmically, you will find this in every 12 keys, in manifold tunes, along with different permutations. If you’re working on expanding the repertoire of your jazz progression, it’s the best point to start. 

5. I- VI- IV- V (DOO-WOP Progression) 

I	vi	IV	V
C	Am	F	G
D	Bm	G	A
F	Dm	Bb	C
G	Em	C	D
A	F#m	D	E

Named after the doo-wop genre of the 1950s and 60s, this chord progression consists of the dominant, subdominant, submediant, and tonic chords. Providing a sense of resolution and stability, the I-vi-IV-V chord progression is a pleasing tune to the ear.

With C Major scale, this chord progression formula is- 

I-vi-IV-V = 1-6-4-5 = C-Am-F-G

Here, I is the C Major chord, vi is the A Minor chord, IV is the F Major chord, and V is the G Major Chord. 

6. I- lV- V Chord Progression 

I	IV	V
C	F	G
D	G	A
F	Bb	C
G	C	D
A	D	E

The I-IV-V progression is the most fundamental among all popular music and rock & roll. You can play a large portion of garage rock from the ’50s and ’60s with only three chords. Musicians like Ritchie Valens, The Kingsmen, and The Troggs use the I-IV-V progression in songs such as “Louie, Louie” and “Wild Thing,” respectively. 

For example, in the key of C, the sequence is C major to F major to G major.

7. 12 Bar Blues 

Key

I

I

I

I

IV

IV

I

I

V

IV

I

I  or V

C Major

C

C

C

C

F

F

C

C

G

F

C

G

While the 12 Bar Blues does take a somewhat different route, it is still quite similar to the I-IV-V. Each number indicates one measure in the standard 12-bar blues chord progression: I – I – I – I – IV – IV – I – I – V – IV – I – I. This chord sequence is the basis for a whole style of popular music, and understanding it will open up a world of creative possibilities. This is the sequence in the key of C: C – C – C – C – F – F – C – C – G – F – C – C.

The versatility of these chords makes them ideal for evoking strong emotions in musical compositions. With these chords, you may achieve many tonal and emotional effects in either major or minor keys.

The Power of Numbers: Understanding Roman Numeral Notation 

Chord sequences and musical patterns are fundamental to the Roman numeral system, which is really a musical system. If you know the basics of music, the method will be easy for you, even if it seems hard to understand at first.

If we take the letter B as an example, the pattern of a scale will be as follows: B, C, D, E, F, G, A. On the other hand, if the scale begins with an F, the pattern will be as follows: F, G, A, B, C, D, E, and so on. 

In this particular instance, we see that the pattern concludes with the letter G and then begins again with the A letter and the following letters until we consistently have seven notes in a row. 

However, the musical Roman numeral system uses a sequence rather than an alphabetical listing of notes. What follows is a representation of the pattern above (F, G, A, B, C, D, E):

It is standard practice to use capital letters, such as I or V, to denote major chords and lowercase letters, such as i and v, to denote minor chords.

1. The letter F, the initial note that begins the pattern, represents the Roman numeral “I.” 
2. The second note, Gm, refers to “ii.”
3. The third note, Am, refers to “iii.”
4. The fourth note, Bb, represents “IV” in the musical notation.
5. The fifth note, C, is represented as “V.”
6.  The sixth note, DM, is referred to as “vi.”
7. The seventh note, E dim, is represented as “vii dim 

11 Solid Tips to Conquer Chord Progressions 

You can do much cool stuff musically when you learn chord progressions well. To overcome them, consider the following:

1. Start Simple

Use major or minor key I-IV-V or i-iv-V as your foundational progressions. Before tackling more intricate progressions, ensure you are proficient in shifting between these chords.

2. Embrace the Circle of Fifths

The Circle of Fifths is a priceless tool for studying chord relationships. It arranges the keys in order, drawing attention to their harmonic connections. Try out different modulations and use them to foretell chord progressions.

3. Internalize the Feel

Notably, one must be aware of the emotional effects of various progressions. By contrast, minor chords may convey a sense of sorrow or despair, while major chords tend to sound upbeat and happy. But, not necessarily all time this goes the same. See how various progressions impact the tempo and atmosphere of your song by experimenting with them.

4. Get to know common progressions

Listen to popular songs across different genres to learn the typical chord progressions. Carefully consider the progressions’ employment and impact on the song’s mood. This could spark an idea for your own development.

5. Play Around with Different Swaps

Once you’re comfortable with basic chord progressions, you may explore other chord replacements. For example, you could try using secondary dominants to build suspense and then release it, or swap out a major chord for its related minor.

6. Put Your Skills to Work for You

Focus your practice time on chord progressions. Take some time to work on your chord transition skills and try out various voicings and rhythms. Your ability to sense chord progressions intuitively will grow as you play more.

7. Use your ears

Listen to music and train your ear to pick out chord progressions. Examine how various progressions are utilized in different settings and styles. Your knowledge will grow, and you can apply what you learn to your own songs.

8. Tone up chord progressions by using inversions

Inversions are a great tool for making your chord progressions sound more dynamic and fascinating. To make your progression more interesting and unique, try switching up the sequence of the notes in each chord. Consider the following chord progressions: C-E-G, which is the root position; E-G-C, which is the second inversion; and G-C-E, which is the third inversion.

9. Use multiple instruments to perform the same chord sequence 

To spice up your chord progressions, try playing the same progression on multiple instruments. Consider combining a piano for basic chord playing with a guitar for more intricate strumming or fingerpicking patterns. You might add bass or drums if you want your chord progression to have greater depth and rhythm.

10. Enhance complexity using chord extensions and variations

Advanced methods like chord substitutions and extensions may make your chord progressions more interesting and complicated. An extension adds more notes to a chord, while a substitution replaces one chord with another that shares some notes. A bVII chord might stand in for a V chord, while an IVmaj7 or IVadd9 chord could replace a regular IV chord.

Bonus Tip: Take your time and keep trying

With practice and commitment, you can become an expert in chord progressions. Practice regularly and patiently. Recognize and reward yourself for little victories, and push yourself to your limits by trying new things.

Wrapping Up: Guitar Chord Progression 

There are many chord progressions, and it depends on the genre and style that you want to play. The purpose of this lesson is just to open a new box for you. These are all worth learning to work out on a song on your own. By learning the standard chord progressions, you can guess the chord pattern when you hear a song. The more you practice, the chord progressions become more familiar to you and help you improve your performance.