Common Basic Major Key Chord Progressions

Below you will find examples of basic common chord progressions found in the major keys of Western music. The examples are all in the key of C, but they can be transposed to any key. If you are writing a song for your own voice, you should definitely transpose to the key that best fits your own vocal range. Audio examples might have embellished chords or inversions.

Starting On The I Chord

I – vi – ii – V

KeyIviiiV
C MajorCAmDmG
Also try adding a 7 to the chords (i.e. CMaj7, Am7, Dm7, G7)

I – vi – IV – V

KeyIviIVV
C MajorCAmFG

I – V – vi – IV

KeyIVviIV
C MajorCGAmF

I – iii – vi – IV

KeyIiiiviIV
C MajorCEmAmF

I – iii – vi – I – IV – I- Vsus- V

KeyIiiiviIIVIVsusV
C MajorCEmAmCFCGsusG

Starting On The ii Chord

ii – V7 – I

KeyiiV7I
C MajorDmG7C
This progression is the cornerstone of jazz

ii – V – I – IV

KeyiiVIIV
C MajorDmGCF

Starting On The iii Chord

iii – vi – IV – I

KeyiiiviIVI
C MajorEmAmFC

Starting On The IV Chord

IV – I – ii – vi

KeyIVIiivi
C MajorFCDmAm

IV – I – iii – IVsus

KeyIVIiiiIVsus
C MajorFCEmFsus

Starting On The V Chord

V – IV – vi – I

KeyVIVviI
C MajorGFAmC

V – vi – IV – IV – V – vi – IV – I

KeyVviIVIVVviIVI
C MajorGAmFFGAmFG

Starting On The vi Chord

vi – IV – I – V

KeyviIVIV
C MajorAmFCG

vi – V – I – V

KeyviVIV
C MajorAmGCG

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