CHORD PROGRESSIONS

In this lesson we will learn the chord progression I (One), IV (Four), I, V7 (Five-Seven), I.

This series of chords if very useful when harmonizing songs.

In the key of C Major, the I (One) chord is C,E,G. This is the root position. Play that chord.

Keep the bottom note where it is. Move the middle tone up one-half step, and move the top tone up two half-steps (one whole step). Now you are playing C,F,A. This is the IV (Four) chord (second inversion).

Go back to the I chord in root position; C,E,G.

Now move to the V7 (Five-Seven) chord by keeping the top note in place and move the middle tone up one-half step, and the bottom tone down one-half step, as we learned in the previous lesson.

Now go back to the I chord in root position.

First play it with the left hand, then with the right hand, and then with both hands.

Music Score PDF File

Play this progression in other keys .

G Major

F Major

D Major

B Flat Major

A Major

E Flat Major

You can now play America using the progression you learned in this lesson.

Back to Lesson Index
Adding Harmony