I–V–vi–IV progression
The I–V–vi–IV progression is a common chord progression popular across several genres of music. It involves the I, V, vi, and IV chords; for example, in the key of C major, this would be: C–G–Am–F.[1] Rotations include:
- I–V–vi–IV : C–G–Am–F (optimistic)
- V–vi–IV–I : G–Am–F–C
- vi–IV–I–V : Am–F–C–G (pessimistic)
- IV–I–V–vi : F–C–G–Am
The '50s progression uses the same chords but in a different order (I–vi–IV–V), no matter the starting point.
Variations
A common ordering of the progression, "vi–IV–I–V", was dubbed the "sensitive female chord progression" by Boston Globe Columnist Marc Hirsh.[2] In C major this would be Am–F–C–G, which basically modulates key to A minor. Hirsh first noticed the chord progression in the song "One of Us" by Joan Osborne,[3] and then other songs. He named the progression because he claimed it was used by many performers of the Lilith Fair in the late 1990s.[2] However, the earliest known example of using this progression (at least in a major hit) is Scott McKenzie's "San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)", written by John Phillips.
Dan Bennett claims the progression is also called the "pop-punk progression" because of its frequent use in pop punk.[1]
The vi–IV–I–V progression has been associated with the heroic in many popular Hollywood movies and movie trailers, especially in films released since 2000.[4]
The chord progression is also used in the form IV–I–V–vi, as in songs such as "Umbrella" by Rihanna[5] and "Down" by Jay Sean.[6] Numerous bro-country songs followed the chord progression, as demonstrated by Greg Todd's mash-up of several bro-country songs in an early 2015 video.[7]
A 2009 song by the comedy group The Axis of Awesome, called "Four Chords", demonstrated the ubiquity of the progression in popular music, for comic effect; for instance, as the progression is played as a ostinato, sometimes it is used as a vi–IV–I–V (i. e. the "pessimistic" inversion). It was originally written in D major (thus the progression being D major, A major, B minor, G major) and performed live in the key of E major (thus using the chords E major, B major, C# minor, and A major). The song was subsequently published on YouTube.[8] As of May 2020, the two most popular versions have been viewed over 100 million times combined.[9][10]
The British progressive rock band Porcupine Tree made a song called "Four Chords That Made A Million" that appears to be a satire of the broad use of this progression in contemporary commercial music.
I–V–♭VII–IV
I–V–♭VII–IV may be viewed as a variation of I–V–vi–IV, replacing the submediant with the subtonic. It consists of two I-V chord progressions, the second a whole step lower (A–E–G–D = I–V in A and I–V in G), giving it harmonic drive. There are few keys in which one may play the progression with open chords on the guitar, so it is often portrayed with barre chords ("Lay Lady Lay"). The use of the flattened seventh may lend this progression a bluesy feel or sound, and the whole tone descent may be reminiscent of the ninth and tenth chords of the twelve bar blues (V-IV). The progression also makes possible a chromatic descent over a contiguous heptachord (minor third): –♯–♮–. The roots of the chords are usually considered to be part of the Dorian scale; other modes, such as major and Mixolydian[11] can be used when performing the progression, even though the progression contains notes outside of these modes (e.g. ♭VII for the major scale and the third of V for Mixolydian.
"(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" by Carole King make prominent use of this progression in its verses. "Lay Lady Lay"[11] uses the similar progression I–iii–♭VII–ii; the second and fourth chords are replaced by the relative minor while preserving the same –♯–♮– descent. This progression is used in other songs including "Turning Japanese" (1980) by The Vapors, "Sample in a Jar" (1994) by Phish (I–iii–♭VII–IV), "Waterfalls" (1995) by TLC,[12] and "Don't Tell Me" (2000) by Madonna. "Cinnamon Girl" (1969) by Neil Young uses I–v–♭VII–IV (all in Mixolydian).[13] It opens the verse to "Brown Eyes" by Lady Gaga", is used in the choruses to "Rio" (1982) by Duran Duran and "Sugar Hiccup" (1983) by the Cocteau Twins, and is in the 2nd part of the bridge in "Sweet Jane" (1988) by the Cowboy Junkies.[14] I–IV–♭VII–IV is a similar chord progression which is arch formed (I–IV–♭VII–IV–I), and has been used in the chorus to "And She Was" (1985) by Talking Heads,[15] in "Let's Go Crazy" (1984) by Prince,[16] in "Like a Rock" (1986) by Bob Seger.[17] and in "Steady, As She Goes" (2006) by The Raconteurs (minor tonic: i–V–♭VII–IV)[18]
Songs using the progression
This is a list of recorded songs containing multiple, repeated uses of the I–V–vi–IV progression.
Song title | Artist | Year | Progression | Recorded Key |
---|---|---|---|---|
"21 Guns" | Green Day | 2009 | vi–IV–I–V | D minor |
"20 Good Reasons"[19] | Thirsty Merc | 2007 | I–V–vi–IV | Db major |
"Africa" | Toto | 1982 | vi–IV–I–V | F# minor (chorus) |
"Afterlife" | Avenged Sevenfold | 2007 | I–V–vi–IV | F major |
"Aicha"[20] | Cheb Khaled | 1996 | vi–IV–I–V | G minor |
"Ain't Your Mama" | Jennifer Lopez | 2016 | vi–IV–I–V | G# minor |
"Alejandro" | Lady Gaga | 2010 | IV–I–V–vi | B minor |
"A Letter to Elise" | The Cure | 1992 | I–V–vi–IV | Ab major |
"All of Me" | John Legend | 2013 | vi-IV-I-V | G major |
"All This Love" | Robin Schulz | 2019 | vi–IV–I–V | D minor |
"All Too Well" | Taylor Swift | 2012 | I–V–vi–IV | C major |
"All You Wanted" | Michelle Branch | 2001 | vi–IV–I–V | Ab major |
"Almost"[21] | Bowling for Soup | 2005 | I–V–vi–IV | B major |
"Alone" | Alan Walker | 2016 | vi-IV-I-V | G minor |
"Alone (Heart song)" | Heart | 1987 | vi–IV–I–V | Bb minor |
"Always on My Mind" | Brenda Lee | 1972 | I–V–vi–IV | C major |
"Amaranth"[22] | Nightwish | 2007 | vi–IV–I–V | D minor |
"Amaranthine"[23] | Amaranthe | 2011 | vi–IV–I–V | D# minor |
"Amazing" | Alex Lloyd | 2001 | vi–IV–I–V | A major |
"And We Danced" | Macklemore | 2011 | vi–IV–I–V | D minor |
"A New Day Has Come"[24] | Celine Dion | 2002 | vi–IV–I–V | D# minor |
"Another Girl, Another Planet" | The Only Ones | 1978 | I–V–vi–IV | E major |
"Any Way You Want It" | Journey | 1980 | I–V–vi–IV | G major |
"Apollo" | Timebelle | 2017 | vi–IV–I–V | G minor |
"Apologize" | OneRepublic | 2005 | vi–IV–I–V | C minor |
"Aristocrat" | Poppy | 2018 | vi–IV–I–V | B minor |
"As If It's Your Last" | Blackpink | 2017 | IV–I–V–vi | Ab major (chorus) |
"Atemlos durch die Nacht" | Helene Fischer | 2013 | IV–I–V–vi | B major |
"Bad Blood"[25] | Taylor Swift | 2014 | IV–I–V–vi | E minor |
"Bad Liar" | Imagine Dragons | 2018 | vi–IV–I–V | C minor |
"Bailando" | Enrique Iglesias ft. Descemer Bueno, Gente De Zona | 2014 | vi–IV–I–V | E minor |
"Battle Hymn" | Manowar | 1980 | vi-IV-I-V | E minor |
"Beast of Burden"[26] | The Rolling Stones | 1978 | I–V–vi–IV | E major |
"Beautiful" | Akon feat. Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall | 2009 | vi–IV–I–V | C minor |
"Behind These Hazel Eyes" | Kelly Clarkson | 2004 | vi–IV–I–V | F# minor |
"Bleeding Out" | Imagine Dragons | 2012 | vi–IV–I–V | F minor |
"Born to Be Yours" | Kygo feat. Imagine Dragons | 2018 | I–V–vi–IV | E major |
"Born to Make You Happy" | Britney Spears | 1999 | vi–IV–I–V | B minor |
"Breakeven" | The Script | 2008 | IV–I–V–vi | G minor |
"Bridge of Light" | P!nk | 2011 | I–V–vi–IV; vi–IV–I–V | F major/D minor |
"Broken" | Lovelytheband | 2017 | vi–IV–I–V | B minor |
"Bullet"[27] | Hollywood Undead | 2011 | I–V–vi–IV | E major |
"Bullet with Butterfly Wings"[28] | The Smashing Pumpkins | 1995 | vi–IV–I–V | Bb minor |
"California King Bed"[29] | Rihanna | 2011 | I–V–vi–IV | G major |
"Calma" | Pedro Capó | 2018 | IV–I–V–vi | D major |
"Caramelldansen"[30] | Caramell | 2001 | I–V–vi–IV | F# major |
"C'est la vie (Khaled song)" | Khaled | 2012 | vi–IV–I–V | C minor |
"Chasing Fire" | Lauv | 2018 | I–V–vi–IV | F major |
"Cheap Thrills"[31] | Sia | 2016 | vi–IV–I–V | A major |
"Clean"[32] | Taylor Swift | 2014 | I–V–vi–IV | B major |
"Coconut Tree" | Mohombi feat. Nicole Scherzinger | 2011 | vi–IV–I–V | G minor |
"Collide" | Howie Day | 2004 | I–V–vi–IV | B major |
"Come Over"[33] | Kenny Chesney | 2012 | vi–IV–I–V | Bb minor |
"Complicated" | Avril Lavigne | 2002 | vi–IV–I–V | D minor |
"Confusion and Frustration in Modern Times"[34] | Sum 41 | 2007 | vi–IV–I–V; I–V–vi–IV | B major/G# minor |
"Contact" | Daft Punk | 2013 | vi–IV–I–V | B minor |
"Con te partirò (Time to Say Goodbye)" | Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman | 1995 | I–V–vi–IV | G major |
"Cruise"[35] | Florida Georgia Line | 2012 | I–V–vi–IV | Bb major |
"Cryin'"[36] | Aerosmith | 1993 | I–V–vi–IV | A major (chorus) |
"Daddy DJ"[37] | Daddy DJ | 1999 | vi–IV–I–V | C minor |
"Dammit"[26][38] | Blink-182 | 1997 | I–V–vi–IV | C major |
"Demons"[39] | Imagine Dragons | 2012 | I–V–vi–IV | Eb major |
"De Música Ligera" | Soda Stereo | 1990 | vi–IV–I–V | B minor |
"Despacito"[40] | Luis Fonsi | 2017 | vi–IV–I–V | B minor |
"Dig Up Her Bones" | The Misfits | 1997 | vi–IV–I–V | Bb minor |
"Dirty Little Secret"[41] | The All-American Rejects | 2005 | I–V–vi–IV | Bb major |
"Don't Forget Me"[42] | Red Hot Chili Peppers | 2002 | vi–IV–I–V | A minor |
"Don't Let Me Down" | The Chainsmokers | 2016 | IV–I–V–vi | G# minor |
"Don't Trust Me"[43] | 3OH!3 | 2008 | vi–IV–I–V | Bb major |
"Don't You Wanna Stay"[44] | Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson | 2010 | vi–IV–I–V | G# minor |
"Down"[45] | Jay Sean feat. Lil Wayne | 2009 | IV–I–V–vi | D major |
"Dragostea Din Tei"[46] | O-Zone | 2003 | IV–I–V–vi; vi–IV–I–V | A minor |
"Dream Catch Me"[47] | Newton Faulkner | 2007 | I–V–vi–IV | D major |
"Drive By"[48] | Train | 2012 | vi–IV–I–V; IV–I–V–vi | C# minor |
"Échame la Culpa" | Luis Fonsi, Demi Levato | 2018 | IV–I–V–vi | C major |
"Eenie Meenie" | Sean Kingston and Justin Bieber | 2010 | vi–IV–I–V | Bb minor |
"Electrical Storm"[49] | U2 | 2002 | vi–IV–I–V | F# minor |
"Electricity" | Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark | 1979 | vi-IV-I-V | A minor |
"Enter the Ninja" | Die Antwoord | 2010 | vi–IV–I–V | F minor |
"Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain)" | Gary Allan | 2012 | vi-IV-I-V | A minor |
"Faded" | Alan Walker | 2015 | vi–IV–I–V | F# major |
"Fall At Your Feet" | Crowded House | 1991 | I–V–vi–IV | Eb major |
"Far Away" | Nickelback | 2005 | I–V–vi–IV | B major |
"Feeling This"[26][50] | Blink-182 | 2003 | I–V–vi–IV | E major |
"Femme libérée" | Cookie Dingler | 1984 | vi–IV-I-V | G minor |
"Fight Song" | Rachel Platten | 2014 | I–V–vi–IV | G major |
"Flashlight"[51] | Jessie J | 2015 | I–V–vi–IV | F major |
"For the First Time"[52] | The Script | 2010 | I–V–vi–IV | A major |
"For the Nights I Can’t Remember" | Hedley | 2007 | I–V–vi–IV | C major |
"Forever Young"[53] | Alphaville | 1984 | I–V–vi–IV | C major |
"Fuckin' Perfect"[54] | P!nk | 2010 | I–V–vi–IV | G major |
"Future Looks Good" | OneRepublic | 2016 | V–vi–IV–I | Bb major |
"Girls Like You" | Maroon 5 | 2018 | I–V–vi–IV | C major |
"Give Me Everything"[55] | Pitbull feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack, and Nayer | 2011 | I–V–vi–IV | Eb major |
"Glycerine"[56] | Bush | 1994 | I–V–vi–IV | F major |
"God Is a Girl" | Groove Coverage | 2002 | vi–IV–I–V | C minor |
"Good" | Better Than Ezra | 1993 | I–V–vi–IV | G major |
"Great Romances of the 20th Century"[57] | Taking Back Sunday | 2002 | vi–IV–I–V | G# minor |
"Grenade" | Bruno Mars | 2010 | vi–IV–I–V | D minor |
"Hair"[58] | Lady Gaga | 2011 | I–V–vi–IV | F major |
"Halfway Gone" | Lifehouse | 2009 | vi–IV–I–V | C# minor |
"Hall of Fame"[59] | The Script feat. will.i.am | 2012 | vi–IV–I–V | G minor |
"Happy Ending"[60] | Mika | 2007 | I–V–vi–IV | Db major |
"Heart Attack"[61] | Demi Lovato | 2013 | IV–I–V–vi; vi–IV–I–V | F minor |
"Hej Hej Monika" | Nic & the Family | 2004 | I–V–vi–IV | Db major |
"Hello"[62] | Adele | 2015 | vi–IV–I–V | F minor |
"Here (In Your Arms)" | Hellogoodbye | 2006 | I–V–vi–IV | F major |
"Hero of War" | Rise Against | 2008 | I–V–vi–IV | E major |
"Hey Brother"[63] | Avicii | 2013 | vi–IV–I–V | G minor |
"Hey Soul Sister" | Train | 2009 | I–V–vi–IV | E major |
"Hide and Seek"[64] | Imogen Heap | 2005 | I–V–vi–IV | A major |
"High" | Lighthouse Family | 1997 | I–V–vi–IV | Bb major |
"Higher Love" | Steve Winwood | 1986 | IV–I–V–vi | F major |
"Holiday" | Green Day | 2004 | vi–IV–I–V | F minor |
"Home"[65] | Phillip Phillips | 2012 | IV–I–V–vi; vi–IV–I–V | C major |
"Hurt" | Nine Inch Nails | 1995 | vi–IV–I–V | B minor |
"I Don't Wanna Live Forever" | Zayn and Taylor Swift | 2016 | IV–I–V–vi | A minor |
"If I Die Young" | The Band Perry | 2010 | IV–I–V–vi | E major |
"If I Were a Boy"[66] | Beyoncé | 2008 | vi–IV–I–V | D# minor |
"Ih-Ah!" | Devin Townsend | 2009 | vi–IV–I–V | A minor |
"I Just Had Sex"[67] | The Lonely Island feat. Akon | 2011 | vi–IV–I–V | D# minor |
"I'm Goin' Down[68] | Bruce Springsteen | 1985 | I–V–vi–IV | Bb major |
"I'm Yours"[69] | Jason Mraz | 2008 | I–V–vi–IV | E major |
"I Need Your Love" | Calvin Harris | 2012 | vi–IV–I–V | C minor |
"Ik neem je mee" | Gers Pardoel | 2011 | vi–IV–I–V | G minor |
"Immortals" | Fall Out Boy | 2014 | vi–IV–I–V | F# minor |
"In My Head"[70] | Jason Derulo | 2009 | vi–IV–I–V | C minor |
"Innocent" | Taylor Swift | 2010 | I–V–vi–IV | E major |
"International Love"[71] | Pitbull feat. Chris Brown | 2011 | vi–IV–I–V | C minor |
"In This River"[72] | Black Label Society | 2005 | vi–IV–I–V | E minor |
"I Wanna Talk About Me" | Toby Keith | 2001 | I–V–vi–IV | F major |
"I Want You to Want Me" | Cheap Trick | 1977 | I–V–vi–IV | A major |
"I Was Here"[73] | Beyoncé | 2011 | vi–IV–I–V | E minor |
"I Will Love Again" | Lara Fabian | 2000 | vi–IV–I–V | A minor |
"Just a Dream"[74] | Nelly | 2010 | vi–IV–I–V | D# minor |
"Kaze wa Fuiteiru"[75] | AKB48 | 2011 | vi–IV–I–V | E minor |
"Kids" | MGMT | 2008 | vi–IV–I–V | F# minor |
"Kids" | OneRepublic | 2016 | V–vi–IV–I | D major |
"Kissin U" | Miranda Cosgrove | 2010 | I–V–vi–IV | Eb major |
"Leave a Light On" | Tom Walker | 2017 | vi–IV–I–V | D minor |
"Lemonade"[76] | Alexandra Stan | 2011 | vi–IV–I–V | F# minor |
"Let It Be" | The Beatles | 1970 | I–V–vi–IV | C major |
"Listen to Your Heart (Roxette song)" | Roxette | 1988 | I–V–vi–IV | B minor |
"Little Talks"[77] | Of Monsters and Men | 2011 | vi–IV–I–V | Bb minor |
"Love" | Lana Del Rey | 2017 | I–V–vi–IV | Bb major |
"Love Me"[78] | Justin Bieber | 2009 | vi–IV–I–V | C minor |
"Love the Way You Lie"[79] | Eminem feat. Rihanna | 2010 | vi–IV–I–V | G minor |
"Marilyn Monroe"[80] | Nicki Minaj | 2012 | vi–IV–I–V | E minor |
"May It Be" | Enya | 2002 | vi–IV–I–V | F# minor |
"Miracle" | Cascada | 2004 | vi–IV–I–V | D minor |
"Mirrors" | Natalia Kills | 2010 | vi–IV–I–V | G# minor |
"More than Friends (Inna song) | Inna ft Daddy Yankee | 2012 | vi–IV–I–V | E minor |
"My Name Is Jonas"[81] | Weezer | 1994 | I–V–vi–IV | B major |
"Nobody's Perfect"[82] | Hannah Montana (Miley Cyrus) | 2007 | vi–IV–I–V | C minor |
"Nobody's Perfect" | Jessie J | 2011 | vi–IV–I–V | G minor |
"No One"[83] | Alicia Keys | 2007 | I–V–vi–IV | E major |
"No One Needs to Know" | Shania Twain | 1995 | vi–IV–I–V (bridge) | C major |
"No Vacancy" | OneRepublic | 2017 | vi–IV–I–V | D minor |
"No Woman, No Cry"[84] | Bob Marley | 1973 | I–V–vi–IV | Db major |
"Not Afraid"[85] | Eminem | 2010 | vi–IV–I–V | C minor |
"Not Pretty Enough | Kasey Chambers | 2002 | I–V–vi–IV | B major |
"Nowhere Fast" | Fire Inc. | 1984 | vi–IV–I–V | C# minor |
"One Day"[86] | Matisyahu | 2008 | I–V–vi–IV | C major |
"One Foot" | Walk the Moon | 2017 | vi–IV–I–V | A minor |
"One More Breath" | Creed | 2002 | I–V–vi–IV | D major |
"One of Us"[3][87] | Joan Osborne | 1995 | vi–IV–I–V | F# minor |
"On Melancholy Hill"[88] | Gorillaz | 2010 | I–V–vi–IV | D major |
"On the Floor"[89] | Jennifer Lopez feat. Pitbull | 2011 | vi–IV–I–V | D# minor |
"Otherside"[90] | Red Hot Chili Peppers | 2000 | vi–IV–I–V | E minor |
"Out of the Woods"[91] | Taylor Swift | 2014 | I–V–vi–IV | A minor |
"Paparazzi" | Lady Gaga | 2009 | vi–IV–I–V | F minor |
"Peace of Mind"[92] | Boston | 1976 | vi–IV–I–V | C# minor |
"Perfect" | Ed Sheeran | 2017 | I–vi–IV–V, vi–IV–I–V | Ab major |
"Photograph" | Ed Sheeran | 2014 | I–V–vi–IV | E major |
"Physical" | Dua Lipa | 2020 | vi–IV–I–V | A minor |
"Pieces"[93] | Sum 41 | 2005 | vi–IV–I–V | D minor |
"Play" | K-391, Alan Walker, and Martin Tungevaag | 2019 | vi-IV-I-V | F# minor |
"Poker Face"[94] | Lady Gaga | 2008 | vi–IV–I–V | G# minor |
"Pork and Beans"[95] | Weezer | 2008 | I–V–vi–IV | F# major |
"Prison Bound"[96] | Social Distortion | 1988 | I–V–vi–IV | F# major |
"Preacher" | OneRepublic | 2013 | IV–I–V–vi | Bb minor |
"Push" | Matchbox Twenty | 1997 | I–V–vi–IV | F# major |
"Quarter Past Midnight" | Bastille | 2018 | IV–I–V–vi | Ab major |
"Rays of Light" | Broiler | 2014 | vi-IV-I-V | B minor |
"Ready or Not"[97] | Bridgit Mendler | 2012 | vi–IV–I–V | B minor |
"Replay"[98] | Iyaz | 2009 | vi–IV–I–V | F# minor |
"Rich Love" | OneRepublic | 2017 | vi–IV–I–V | C# minor |
"Rise"[99] | McClain Sisters | 2012 | vi–IV–I–V | B minor |
"Rollercoaster" | Bon Jovi | 2016 | I–V–vi–IV | Eb major |
"Roma-Bangkok" | Baby K ft. Giusy Ferreri | 2015 | vi–IV–I–V | B minor |
"Rush" | Aly & AJ | 2005 | vi–IV–I–V | D minor |
"San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)" | Scott McKenzie | 1967 | vi–IV–I–V | F minor |
"Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)" | Jason Derulo and Jawsh 685 | 2020 | vi–IV–I–V | C minor |
"Save Tonight"[100] | Eagle Eye Cherry | 1997 | vi–IV–I–V | C major |
"Say (All I Need)" | OneRepublic | 2008 | I–V–vi–IV | A major |
"Say Something"[101] | A Great Big World | 2013 | vi–IV–I–V | B minor |
"Say You Won't Let Go" | James Arthur | 2016 | I–V–vi–IV | Bb major |
"Scar"[102] | Missy Higgins | 2004 | I–V–vi–IV | C major |
"Self Esteem"[103][104] | The Offspring | 1994 | vi–IV–I–V | C major |
"Shackler's Revenge" | Guns N' Roses | 2008 | vi–IV–I–V | C# minor |
"Shake It"[105] | Metro Station | 2008 | V–vi–IV–I | C# minor |
"She Doesn't Mind" | Sean Paul | 2011 | vi–IV–I–V | G minor |
"She Got Me" | Luca Hänni | 2019 | vi–IV–I–V | B minor |
"Silverflame"[106] | Dizzy Mizz Lizzy | 1994 | vi–IV–I–V | G minor |
"Since You Been Gone"[107] | Russ Ballard | 1976 | I–V–vi–IV | G major |
"Six Degrees of Separation"[108] | The Script | 2012 | vi–IV–I–V | C# minor |
"Skulls" | Misfits | 1982 | I–V–vi–IV | A major |
"Snow (Hey Oh)"[109] | Red Hot Chili Peppers | 2006 | vi–IV–I–V; I–V–vi–IV | B major/G# minor |
"So Lonely" | The Police | 1978 | I–V–vi–IV | C major |
"Someone Like You" | Adele | 2011 | I–V–vi–IV (chorus) | A major |
"Someone You Loved" | Lewis Capaldi | 2018 | I–V–vi–IV | Db major |
"So Small"[110] | Carrie Underwood | 2007 | vi–IV–I–V | C minor |
"Soul To Squeeze"[111] | Red Hot Chili Peppers | 1993 | I–V–vi–IV | F major |
"Sparks Fly"[112] | Taylor Swift | 2011 | vi–IV–I–V | D minor |
"Spiderwebs" | No Doubt | 1995 | I–V–vi–IV | Bb major |
"Spirit in The Sky" | Keiino | 2019 | vi–IV–I–V | D minor |
"Stacy's Mom" | Fountains of Wayne | 2003 | iv-I-V-Vi | E |
"Stamp on the Ground" | ItaloBrothers | 2009 | vi–IV–I–V | B minor |
"Stand"[113] | Rascal Flatts | 2007 | vi–IV–I–V | A minor |
"Stargazing" | Kygo | 2017 | IV–I–V–vi | F major |
"Stay the Night" | James Blunt | 2010 | I–V–vi–IV | D major |
"Stereo Hearts" | Gym Class Heroes ft. Adam Levine | 2011 | vi–IV–I–V | F# minor |
"Stereo Love" | Edward Maya feat. Vika Jigulina | 2009 | vi–IV–I–V | Db minor |
"Still Loving You" | Scorpions | 1984 | vi–IV–I–V | G minor (F# minor live) |
"Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)"[114] | Kelly Clarkson | 2012 | vi–IV–I–V | A minor |
"Súbeme La Radio" | Enrique Iglesias ft. Descemer Bueno and Zion & Lennox | 2017 | vi–IV–I–V | A minor |
"Sugar Baby Love" | The Rubettes | 1974 | I–V–vi–IV | C major |
"Summer Paradise" | Simple Plan | 2012 | I–V–vi–IV | D major |
"Sun Goes Down" | Robin Schulz ft. Jasmine Thompson | 2014 | vi–IV–I–V | D# minor |
"Superman (It's Not Easy)" | Five for Fighting | 2001 | I–V–vi–IV | C major |
"Sweet but Psycho" | Ava Max | 2018 | IV–I–V–vi | Db major |
"Tacata (song)" | Tacabro | 2011 | vi–IV–I–V | G# minor |
"Take Me Home, Country Roads" | John Denver | 1971 | I–V–vi–IV | A major |
"Take Me Home Tonight" | Eddie Money | 1986 | I–V–vi–IV | Db major |
"Take on Me"[115] | Aha | 1984 | I–V–vi–IV | A major |
"Tangled Up in Me"[116] | Skye Sweetnam | 2004 | V–vi–IV–I | C major |
"Tattoo" | Jordin Sparks | 2007 | I–V–vi–IV | D major |
"Television Romance" | Pale Waves | 2017 | I–V–vi–IV | E major |
"Tequila" | Dan + Shay | 2018 | IV–I–V–vi | B major |
"That Don't Impress Me Much" | Shania Twain | 1998 | vi–IV–I–V | Bb minor |
"The Edge of Glory"[117] | Lady Gaga | 2011 | I–V–vi–IV | A major |
"The Judge" | Twenty One Pilots | 2015 | IV–I–V–vi | C major |
"The Kids Aren't Alright"[118] | The Offspring | 1999 | vi–IV–I–V | Bb minor |
"The Passenger" | Iggy Pop | 1977 | vi–IV–I–V | A minor |
"The Power of Good-Bye" | Madonna | 1998 | vi–IV–I–V | F minor |
"The Rock Show"[119] | Blink-182 | 2001 | vi–IV–I–V (bridge) | A major/F# minor |
"The Scientist" | Coldplay | 2002 | vi–IV–I–V | D minor |
"The Spectre" | Alan Walker | 2017 | vi-IV-I-V | C# minor |
"The Story" | Brandi Carlile | 2007 | I–V–vi–IV | B major |
"(There's Gotta Be) More to Life"[120] | Stacie Orrico | 2003 | vi–IV–I–V | F minor |
"Tired" | Alan Walker | 2017 | vi–IV–I–V | B minor |
"To Know Him Is to Love Him"[121] | The Teddy Bears | 1958 | I–V–vi–IV | D major |
"Today" | The Smashing Pumpkins | 1993 | I–V–vi–IV | Eb major |
"Tomorrow Wendy" | Andy Prieboy | 1990 | I–V–vi–IV | C major |
"Try" | Colbie Caillat | 2014 | vi–IV–I–V | Bb minor |
"Try"[122] | P!nk | 2012 | IV–I–V–vi; vi–IV–I–V | D major/B minor |
"Tuesday's Gone"[123] | Lynyrd Skynyrd | 1973 | I–V–vi–IV | A major |
"Under the Bridge" | Red Hot Chili Peppers | 1991 | I–V–vi–IV | E major |
"Up&Up" | Coldplay | 2015 | I–V–vi–IV | G major |
"Vamos a la Playa" | Miranda | 1999 | vi–IV–I–V | C# minor |
"Voglio ballare con te" | Baby K ft. Andrés Dvicio | 2017 | vi–IV–I–V | G minor |
"Wagon Wheel"[124] | Old Crow Medicine Show | 2004 | I–V–vi–IV | A major |
"Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" | Shakira | 2010 | I–V–vi–IV | D major |
"Wake Me Up" | Avicii | 2013 | vi–IV–I–V | B minor |
"Wake Up (Eliot song)" | Eliot Vassamillet | 2018 | IV–I–V–vi | G Minor |
"Walking Disaster"[125] | Sum 41 | 2007 | I–V–vi–IV | B major |
"Walk with Me" | Måns Zelmerlöw feat. Dotter (singer) | 2019 | vi–IV–I–V | G minor |
"Wannabe" | Spice Girls | 1996 | V–vi–IV–I | B major |
"Waste It on Me" | Steve Aoki ft. BTS | 2018 | vi–IV–I–V | E minor |
"We Are Golden" | MIKA | 2009 | vi–IV–I–V (bridge) | C minor |
"We Found Love"[126] | Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris | 2011 | vi–IV–I–V | D# minor |
"We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" | Taylor Swift | 2012 | IV–I–V–vi | G major |
"Wedding Dress" | Taeyang | 2009 | vi–IV–I–V | A minor |
"We Didn't Start the Fire" | Billy Joel | 1989 | I–V–vi–IV | G major |
"What About Love" | Heart | 1985 | vi–IV–I–V | D minor |
"What About Now"[127] | Lonestar | 2000 | I–V–vi–IV | E major |
"What Would I Change It To"[128] | Avicii & AlunaGeorge | 2017 | I–V–vi–IV | B major |
"What's My Age Again?"[129] | Blink-182 | 1999 | IV–I–V–vi; I–V–vi–IV | F# major |
"Whatever It Takes" | Imagine Dragons | 2017 | IV–I–V–vi | Bb minor |
"Whatever You Like" | T.I. | 2008 | vi–IV–I–V | D minor |
"When Can I See You Again?"[130] | Owl City | 2012 | I–V–vi–IV | D major |
"When I Come Around"[131] | Green Day | 1993 | I–V–vi–IV | F# major |
"Where Is The Love?" | The Black Eyed Peas | 2003 | I–V–vi–IV | F major |
"Wherever You Will Go"[132] | The Calling | 2001 | I–V–vi–IV | D major |
"Whistle"[133] | Flo Rida | 2012 | vi–IV–I–V | A minor |
"Who You Are"[134] | Jessie J | 2011 | vi–IV–I–V | F# minor |
"Wicked Wonderland" | Martin Tungevaag | 2014 | vi–IV–I–V | F# minor |
"With Me"[135] | Sum 41 | 2007 | I–V–vi–IV; vi–IV–I–V | E major/C# minor |
"With or Without You"[136] | U2 | 1987 | I–V–vi–IV | D major |
"Wonderland" | Natalia Kills | 2011 | vi–IV–I–V | Bb minor |
"Wrecking Ball" | Miley Cyrus | 2013 | I–V–vi–IV | F major |
"Written in the Stars" | Tinie Tempah and Eric Turner | 2010 | vi–IV–I–V | A minor |
"X-Kid" | Green Day | 2012 | I–V–vi–IV | E major |
You Are the Only One (Sergey Lazarev song) | Sergey Lazarev | 2016 | vi–IV–I–V | B minor |
"You Can Make Me Wait" | Melvins | 2014 | IV–I–V–vi | D major |
"You Let Me Walk Alone" | Michael Schulte (singer) | 2018 | I–V–vi–IV | B major |
"You're Beautiful" | James Blunt | 2005 | I–V–vi–IV | Eb major |
"You're Not Sorry"[137] | Taylor Swift | 2008 | vi–IV–I–V | D# minor |
"Zaleilah" | Mandinga (band) | 2012 | vi–IV–I–V | C major |
"Zombie" | The Cranberries | 1994[138] | vi–IV–I–V | E minor |
See also
- Roman numeral analysis
- "The Complexity of Songs"
- 50s progression
- IV△7–V7–iii7–vi progression - the equivalent chord progression in contemporary Japanese music
References
- ^ a b c Bennett, Dan (2008). The Total Rock Bassist, p. 63. ISBN 978-0739052693
- ^ a b Hirsh, Marc. "Striking a Chord", The Boston Globe, December 31, 2008.
- ^ a b Rundown 3/4: "Sensitive Female Chord Progression", Here and Now, March 4, 2009, wbur.org.
- ^ Murphy, Scott (2014). 'A Pop-Music Progression in Recent Popular Movies and Movie Trailers', Music, Sound, and the Moving Image 8.2 (Autumn): 141–162.
- ^ "Unsupported Browser or Operating System". Musicnotes.com. Retrieved 2013-10-20.(subscription required) Gbmaj7, Db(add2)/Ab, Fm7, Bbm9.
- ^ "Down", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ Brian Mansfield. "Six songs, same tune? Mashup shows country music's similarities". USA Today.
- ^ Lynskey, Dorian (2010-12-17). "Don't Stop Believin': the power ballad that refused to die". The Guardian. p. 3 (Film & music). Retrieved 2011-02-19.
- ^ "4 Four Chord Song". YouTube. 2009-12-10. Retrieved 2017-12-27.
- ^ "4 Chords". YouTube. 2011-07-20. Retrieved 2017-12-27.
- ^ a b Toft, Robert (2010). Hits and Misses, p.58. Bloomsbury. ISBN 9781441116857
- ^ Hurwitz, Tobias; ed. (2006). The Total Rock Guitarist, p.39. Alfred Music. ISBN 9780739038505
- ^ Serna, Desi (2013). Fretboard Theory Volume II, p.20. Desi Serna. ISBN 9780615818979
- ^ Lloyd, Peter (2014). The Secret Life of Chords, p.97. Australian eBook. ISBN 9781925029765.
- ^ Everett, Walter (2008). Expression in Pop-Rock Music, p.115. Routledge. ISBN 9780415979597.
- ^ Till, Rupert (2010). Pop Cult: Religion and Popular Music, p.61. A&C Black. ISBN 9780826432360.
- ^ Rodman, Ronald Wayne (2010). Tuning in: American Narrative Television Music, p.218. Oxford. ISBN 9780195340242.
- ^ Rooksby, Rikky (2007). Arranging Songs: How to Put the Parts Together, p.163. Hal Leonard. ISBN 9780879308964.
- ^ "20 Good Reasons", Ultimate-Guitar.com
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2016-08-22. Retrieved 2016-07-19.
{{cite web}}
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- ^ a b c Bennett, Dan (2008). The Total Rock Bassist, p.63. Alfred. ISBN 0-7390-5269-1.
- ^ "Bullet", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Buy "Bullet with Butterfly Wings (with Tab Staff)" Sheet Music by Smashing Pumpkins". Sheet Music Now (subscription required). Retrieved 2 January 2021.
- ^ Rihanna (2012-09-26). "Rihanna "California King Bed" Sheet Music - Download & Print". Musicnotes.com. Retrieved 2015-12-24.
- ^ "Caramell - Caramelldansen (Chords)".
- ^ "Cheap Thrills", UltimateGuitar.com
- ^ Taylor, Swift; Imogen, Heap; Taylor, Swift (2014-12-29). "Clean". Musicnotes.com. Retrieved 2019-04-17.
- ^ "Come Over", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Confusion and Frustration in Modern Times by Sum 41 - Theorytab". www.hooktheory.com. Retrieved 2016-01-07.
- ^ Florida Georgia Line (2012-12-04). "Florida Georgia Line "Cruise" Sheet Music - Download & Print". Musicnotes.com. Retrieved 2015-12-24.
- ^ "Cryin'", MusicNotes.com (subscription required)
- ^ Daddy Dj - Daddy Dj (Chords), retrieved 2020-06-07
- ^ "Dammit", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Demons", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "[4]", Ultimate-Guitar.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Dirty Little Secret by The All-American Rejects - Theorytab". www.hooktheory.com. Retrieved 2016-01-07.
- ^ "Don't Forget Me", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Don't Trust Me", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Don't You Wanna Stay", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Down", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Dragostea Din Tei", Ultimate-Guitar.com
- ^ "Dream Catch Me", Ultimate-Guitar.com
- ^ "Drive By", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Electrical Storm", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Feeling This", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ Samuel, Smith. "Jessie J "Flashlight" Sheet Music (Leadsheet) in F Major - Download & Print". Musicnotes.com. Retrieved 2016-04-24.
- ^ "For the First Time", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "[5]", ultimate-guitar.com
- ^ Pink. "Pink "F**kin' Perfect" Sheet Music - Download & Print". Musicnotes.com. Retrieved 2015-12-24.
- ^ "Give Me Everything", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Glycerine", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Great Romances of the 20th Century",UltimateGuitar.com.
- ^ "Hair", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Hall of Fame", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Happy Ending", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Heart Attack", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Hello", UltimateGuitar.com.
- ^ "Hey Brother", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Imogen Heap "Hide and Seek"". Music Notes (subscription required). Retrieved 2 January 2021.
- ^ "Home", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "If I Were a Boy", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "I Just Had Sex", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Bruce Springsteen - Im Goin Down (Chords)".
- ^ "Im Yours". tabs.ultimate-guitar.com. Retrieved 2016-06-25.
- ^ "In My Head", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required).
- ^ "International Love", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "In This River", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required).
- ^ "I Was Here", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Just a Dream", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "2011 AKB48 Year in Review", Luscious Idolicious!
- ^ "Lemonade", Ultimate-Guitar.com
- ^ "Little Talks", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Love Me", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Love the Way You Lie", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Marilyn Monroe", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "[6]", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Nobody's Perfect", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "No One", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "e-chords.com
- ^ "Not Afraid", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "One Day, ultimate-guitar.com (subscription required)
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- ^ "Melancholy Hill by Gorillaz". Theorytab. Hooktheory.
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- ^ "Peace of Mind", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
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- ^ "Poker Face", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Pork and Beans", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/social_distortion/prison_bound_chords_83680
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- ^ "Replay", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Rise", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Save Tonight", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Say Something", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Scar", Ultimate-guitar.com
- ^ Hirsh, Marc. "Striking a Chord", The Boston Globe, December 31, 2008.
- ^ "Self Esteem", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Shake It by Metro Station - Theorytab". www.hooktheory.com. Retrieved 2016-01-07.
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- ^ "Six Degrees of Separation", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
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- ^ "So Small by Carrie Underwood - Theorytab". www.hooktheory.com. Retrieved 2016-01-08.
- ^ "Soul to Squeeze", tabs.ultimate-guitar.com. Retrieved 2016-07-02.
- ^ "Sparks Fly", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Stand", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Take on Me". Sheet Music Now. Retrieved 2020-03-05.
- ^ "Tangled Up in Me", Ultimate-Guitar.com
- ^ Lady Gaga. "Lady Gaga "The Edge of Glory" Sheet Music - Download & Print". Musicnotes.com. Retrieved 2015-12-24.
- ^ "The Kids Aren't Alright", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "The Rock Show", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "(There's Gotta Be) More to Life", Ultimate-Guitar.com
- ^ "TO KNOW HIM IS TO LOVE HIM Chords - The Teddy Bears | E-Chords". www.e-chords.com. Retrieved 2016-01-08.
- ^ "Try", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Tuesday's Gone", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Main/The Four Chords of Pop". TV Tropes. Retrieved 26 February 2014.
- ^ "Walking Disaster by Sum 41 - Theorytab". www.hooktheory.com. Retrieved 2016-01-07.
- ^ "We Found Love", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "What About Now", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "What Would I Change It To", genius.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "What's My Age Again?", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ When Can I See You Again", MusicNotes.com (subscription required)
- ^ "When I Come Around", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Wherever You Will Go", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Whistle", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Who You Are", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "With Me by Sum 41 - Theorytab". www.hooktheory.com. Retrieved 2016-01-07.
- ^ "With or Without You", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "You're Not Sorry", MusicNotes.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "AllMusic"
Further reading
- Scott, Richard J. (2003). Chord Progressions for Songwriters. iUniverse. pp. 216–218. ISBN 0-595-26384-4.