Chord progressions
The I–IV–V chord progression
I–IV–V uses the three major chords of a major key: the chords built on its first, fourth and fifth notes. Played as I–IV–V–I in C major it is C – F – G – C.
Hear it, then play it
Play each chord in turn: press all of its notes, in any order and any octave, before moving on. The chords are in C major.
Play C (0 of 4 chords done)
Why it works
Between them, I, IV and V contain every note of the major scale, so these three chords can harmonise almost any simple melody in the key. V pulls strongly back to I, which gives the progression its sense of arriving home.
Songs that use it
"La Bamba", "Twist and Shout" and "Wild Thing" loop these three chords. The 12-bar blues is I–IV–V spread over twelve bars.