Chord Progressions

Browse common chord progressions by genre, mood, or style — with Roman numeral analysis and examples in every key.

By Genre

By Mood

Minor Chord Progressionsi–VII–VI, i–VI–III–VII, +3 more Sad Chord Progressionsi–VII–VI–VII (Oscillating minor), i–VI–III–VII, +3 more Emotional Chord ProgressionsI–bVI–bIII–bVII (Mode mixture), I–V–vi–IV (The emotional baseline), +3 more Dark Chord Progressionsi–bII (Phrygian cadence), i–bII–bIII–bII (Phrygian oscillation), +3 more Happy Chord ProgressionsI–IV–V (Pure major), I–V–vi–IV, +3 more

Named Progressions

The Royal Road ProgressionI–V–vi–IV (The Royal Road), vi–IV–I–V (Minor rotation), +1 more The Andalusian Cadencei–bVII–bVI–V (The Andalusian cadence), i–bVII–bVI–bVII (Oscillating variant), +1 more 12-Bar Blues12-Bar Blues (Standard form), Quick-Change 12-Bar, +2 more

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What Are Chord Progressions?

A chord progression is a sequence of chords played in order. Chord progressions are described using Roman numerals — I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, vii° — where each numeral represents a chord built on the corresponding scale degree. This notation is key-independent: a I–V–vi–IV progression is the same harmonic relationship in G major (G–D–Em–C) as it is in C major (C–G–Am–F).

Uppercase numerals (I, IV, V) indicate major chords; lowercase (ii, vi) indicate minor chords; vii° indicates diminished. Jazz and R&B extend this with 7th chord notation: ii7, V7, Imaj7. The Roman numeral system lets musicians discuss harmony in any key using the same vocabulary.

The Most Common Chord Progressions

I–V–vi–IVC–G–Am–F

The most used progression in pop — hundreds of hit songs share this sequence.

ii–V–IDm7–G7–Cmaj7

The foundation of jazz. Every jazz musician learns this in all 12 keys.

i–VII–VIAm–G–F

The defining minor progression. Dark, cinematic, used across rock and film.

I–IV–VG–C–D

Three-chord country and blues foundation. Thousands of songs, three shapes.

I–bVII–IVE–D–A

The rock three-chord with borrowed bVII. Anthemic and instantly recognizable.

i–bVII–bVI–VAm–G–F–E

The Andalusian descent. Ancient, sorrowful, unmistakable bass line.

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