I–IV–V Chord Progression Songs
G
→ C
→ D
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Strum Pattern
↓
↓
↑
↑
↓
↑
1
&
2
&
3
&
4
&
Play in Other Keys
Key of G
G – C – D
Key of C
C – F – G
Key of D
D – G – A
Key of A
A – D – E
Key of E
E – A – B
Key of F
F – Bb – C
About the I–IV–V Progression
The I–IV–V is the foundation of Western popular music. Built from the three major chords of any key, it carries a strong sense of forward motion and resolution. The IV chord provides a lift away from home, while the V chord creates tension that wants to resolve back to the I. This simple but powerful formula has driven rock 'n' roll since the 1950s, and it remains the backbone of blues, country, punk, and countless folk songs. If you only learn one progression, make it this one.
Songs Using the I–IV–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…
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…
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…
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…
GEmCDAmB7
All I Want for Christmas Is You
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey’s beautiful classic in the key of G. Intermediate difficulty.
EmCGD
All of Me
John Legend
GCD
All Yourn
Tyler Childers
Tyler Childers’s classic with a timeless chord progression. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.
AmGDCEm
Althea
Grateful Dead
“Althea” is one of the Grateful Dead’s most beloved later-era songs. With its jazzy chord changes and melodic sophistication, it…
GCD
Amazing Grace
Traditional
The most recognized hymn in the English language, and often the first worship song guitarists learn. Three chords, a waltz-time…
GDEmAmC
American Pie
Don McLean
Don McLean’s epic, 8-minute rock and roll odyssey. One of the most iconic songs in American music history.
GCDEm
Angel from Montgomery
John Prine
John Prine’s classic with a timeless chord progression. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.
GDCEm
Angels We Have Heard on High
Traditional
Traditional’s easy-to-play classic in the key of G. Beginner difficulty.
GAmCD
Another in the Fire
Hillsong United
An epic declaration of God’s presence in every trial. “Another in the Fire” builds from an intimate verse into one…
GCD
Anyone Else but You
The Moldy Peaches
Made famous by the film “Juno,” this quirky indie duet uses just two chords through most of the song.
GCEmDAm
At the Altar
Elevation Worship
A tender worship song about bringing everything to God in surrender.
GDEmC
Battle Belongs
Phil Wickham
A bold declaration of faith and victory in spiritual warfare. “Battle Belongs” has an anthemic, driving feel with four beginner-friendly…
GDEmC
Beautiful Things
Benson Boone
Benson Boone’s emotional breakthrough hit about the fear of losing everything good in your life.
GCDEmAm
Because He Lives
Bill & Gloria Gaither
One of the most beloved hymns of the modern church, celebrating the resurrection and hope.
EmGDCABm
Behind Blue Eyes
The Who
A haunting classic that shifts between gentle arpeggiated verses and powerful rock sections.
GAm7G/BCD
Blackbird
The Beatles