Chord progressions
The I–vi–IV–V chord progression
I–vi–IV–V, often called the 50s or doo-wop progression, goes from the home chord to the minor sixth chord, then to IV and V before starting again. In C major it is C – Am – F – G.
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
The bass walks down a third (I to vi), down another third (vi to IV) and up a step (IV to V), and V sets up the return to I. It is the same four chords as I–V–vi–IV in a different order.
Songs that use it
"Stand by Me" by Ben E. King and "Every Breath You Take" by The Police are built on I–vi–IV–V, as are many 1950s ballads.