I–IV–vi–V Chord Progression Songs
G
→ C
→ Em
→ D
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Emtap to play
Dtap to play
Strum Pattern
↓
↓
↑
↑
↓
↑
1
&
2
&
3
&
4
&
Play in Other Keys
Key of G
G – C – Em – D
Key of C
C – F – Am – G
Key of D
D – G – Bm – A
Key of A
A – D – F#m – E
Key of E
E – A – C#m – B
Key of F
F – Bb – Dm – C
About the I–IV–vi–V Progression
The I–IV–vi–V progression is a close relative of the pop progression but with a twist: the IV chord comes before the vi, creating a different emotional contour. Moving from the bright IV directly to the introspective vi gives it a gentle tug between optimism and reflection — a quality that suits the storytelling tradition of country and folk music perfectly. It also appears frequently in worship music and singer-songwriter material, where its open, flowing quality supports lyrical narratives.
Songs Using the I–IV–vi–V Progression
GDCEm
10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
Matt Redman
Matt Redman’s anthem of praise has become one of the most sung worship songs in the world. Simple chord patterns…
GBmEmCD
A Day in the Life
The Beatles
The Beatles’s beautiful classic in the key of G. Intermediate difficulty.
GCDEm
A Life Where We Work Out
Flatland Cavalry
Flatland Cavalry’s easy-to-play classic in the key of G. Beginner difficulty.
GDEmC
A Million Dreams
Pasek & Paul
From The Greatest Showman, “A Million Dreams” is an inspirational anthem about imagination and ambition. Simple four-chord structure with an…
GCDEm
A Pirate Looks at 40
Jimmy Buffett
Jimmy Buffett’s easy-to-play classic in the key of G. Beginner difficulty.
GCDEm
Abide
Aaron Williams
Aaron Williams’s easy-to-play classic in the key of G. Beginner difficulty.
EmGCDF
About a Girl
Nirvana
One of Nirvana’s most melodic songs, “About a Girl” was inspired by Kurt Cobain’s love of the Beatles. The simple…
GCDEm
Above All
Lenny LeBlanc
Lenny LeBlanc’s easy-to-play classic in the key of G. Beginner difficulty.
GDEmC
Accidentally in Love
Counting Crows
Counting Crows’s easy-to-play classic in the key of G. Beginner difficulty.
GBmCDEm
Against the Wind
Bob Seger
Bob Seger’s reflective classic about growing older and the passage of time uses familiar open chords to create a timeless…
GCDEm
Agnus Dei
Michael W Smith
Michael W Smith’s easy-to-play classic in the key of G. Beginner difficulty.
GCDEm
Ain’t No Grave
Bethel Music
Bethel Music’s easy-to-play classic in the key of G. Beginner difficulty.
GEmCDAm
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell’s easy-to-play classic in the key of G. Beginner difficulty.
GCDEm
All Glory Be to Christ
Dustin Kensrue
Dustin Kensrue’s easy-to-play classic in the key of G. Beginner difficulty.
GEmCDAmB7
All I Want for Christmas Is You
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey’s beautiful classic in the key of G. Intermediate difficulty.
GCDEm
All in All
Dennis Jernigan
Dennis Jernigan’s easy-to-play classic in the key of G. Beginner difficulty.
EmCGD
All of Me
John Legend
GCDEm
All Sufficient Merit
The Sing Team
The Sing Team’s easy-to-play classic in the key of G. Beginner difficulty.
GDEmAmC
All You Need Is Love
The Beatles
The Beatles’s easy-to-play classic in the key of G. Beginner difficulty.
GCDEm
Alpha and Omega
Israel Houghton
Israel Houghton’s easy-to-play classic in the key of G. Beginner difficulty.