Most Common Chord ProgressionWhat is the single most used chord progression in music? Short answer, it is the: I–V–vi–IV chord progression, for example: C Major – G Major – A minor – F Major.

It is by far the most common chord progression that rules in the world of music, and it is based on the 3 most essential chords: Tonic, Sub-Dominant and Dominant, plus one extra chord for variation.

I, IV and V are all major chords, and have a very close relationship to each in the circle of fifths. And the vi chord is a minor chord that adds an emotional touch to what would otherwise be a super boring and uplifting progression.

I–V–vi–IV progression in all keys

  1. C – G – Am – F
  2. Db – Ab – Bbm – Gb
  3. D – A – Bm – G
  4. Eb – Bb – Cm – Ab
  5. E – B – C#m – A
  6. F – C – Dm – Bb
  7. F# – C# – D#m – B
  8. G – D – Em – C 
  9. Ab – Eb – Fm – Db
  10. A – E – F#m – D
  11. Bb – F – Gm – Eb
  12. B – F# – G#m – E