I - V - vi - IV
C - G - Am - F
A common pop and singer-songwriter loop. It is a strong starting point when you want a quick major-key reference.
Progressions
Guitar chord progressions, key clues, and next steps
Progressions make more sense when you can see the likely key, the chords that belong to it, and the scale options that keep the same center of gravity. Use this page to move between those pieces instead of treating the chords in isolation.
By Clayton Ready - Last updated April 19, 2026
How to use it
Start with the chord loop, then branch out
Common movement
Progression patterns worth recognizing
ii - V - I
Dm - G - C
The classic ii-V-I cadence. It is useful when you want to hear how a progression points back into the tonic.
i - VI - III - VII
Am - F - C - G
A familiar minor-centered loop that still leans on shared relative-major notes and shapes.
Learn more
Learn more about how progressions behave
These lessons connect the chord labels on this page to the ear, rhythm, and songwriting choices that make progressions usable.
Beginner - Intermediate
Hearing I-IV-V Progressions on Guitar
Train your ear to hear I, IV, and V as home, away, and tension so you can follow more songs by sound.
Open lesson
Beginner - Intermediate
Writing Better Four-Chord Progressions
Make a four-chord loop feel clearer by changing the order first, then swapping only one chord if you need more change.
Open lesson
Beginner - Intermediate
Why Pentatonic Scales Work Over Chords
Use one A minor pentatonic shape over Am-F-C-G and learn which notes sound strong as the chords change.
Open lesson