The I–IV–V (Three-Chord) progression
The three chords that built rock and roll: tonic, subdominant, and dominant, all major. Learn I, IV, and V in any key and you can strum along with a huge share of popular music.
Roman-numeral formula: I–IV–V.
Example in the key of G
Played in the key of G, I–IV–V becomes:
Tap any chord above for fingerings and voicings, or build this progression yourself in the progression builder.
Famous songs that use it
- Twist and Shout
- La Bamba
- Wild Thing
Play it on String Warrior
- All famous progressions
- Beginner chord progressions guide — how Roman numerals and diatonic chords work
- Can you hear it? Ear challenge — the trainer plays this progression in a random key; name it by ear
- Progression builder — build and hear this progression in any key
- Guitar chord library