Pop · Beginner · major key
Axis progression (starting on IV)
IV – I – V – vi — Opens on IV, so it sounds like it is already in motion — a favourite for choruses.
Chord shapes in G major (standard tuning)
Using a different tuning? Open it in the Looper — it finds playable shapes for whatever tuning you choose.
How the chords work
Written in Roman numerals, this progression is IV – I – V – vi — in C major that is F – C – G – Am. Each numeral is a step of the scale; upper case is a major chord, lower case minor.
- IV — a bright, open chord a fourth above home — the "amen" chord.
- I — the home chord — the progression feels finished when it lands here.
- V — the tension chord that wants to resolve home.
- vi — the relative minor — the "sad" chord of a major key.
Axis progression (starting on IV) in all 12 keys
| Key | Chords | Hear / play |
|---|---|---|
| C major | FCGAm | Looper |
| G major | CGDEm | Looper |
| D major | GDABm | Looper |
| A major | DAEF#m | Looper |
| E major | AEBC#m | Looper |
| B major | EBF#G#m | Looper |
| F# major | BF#C#D#m | Looper |
| Db major | GbDbAbBbm | Looper |
| Ab major | DbAbEbFm | Looper |
| Eb major | AbEbBbCm | Looper |
| Bb major | EbBbFGm | Looper |
| F major | BbFCDm | Looper |
Practice ideas
- Beginners: play one strum per chord and say the chord names out loud, then two strums, then a steady down-down-up-up-down-up pattern.
- Change keys with a capo: keep the G major shapes and move a capo up — the capo calculator shows which fret gives the key you want.
- Solo over it: loop it in the Looper and improvise with the G major pentatonic or G major scale — the scale pages show every position and play a backing track.
- Train your ear: the progression ear trainer mixes this with similar progressions until you can tell them apart.
Similar progressions
- Axis progression (starting on V) V – vi – IV – I
- I–IV–vi–V I – IV – vi – V
- The pop "axis" progression I – V – vi – IV
- The "sad pop" progression vi – IV – I – V
- 50s / doo-wop progression I – vi – IV – V
- I–V–vi–iii–IV I – V – vi – iii – IV
← The "sad pop" progression · 50s / doo-wop progression →
← All 198 chord progressions · Generate a new one
Questions
What chords are in the IV – I – V – vi progression?
In G major: C – G – D – Em. In C major / A minor: F – C – G – Am. The table on this page lists all 12 keys.
What is the best key to play IV – I – V – vi on guitar?
G major uses the most open-position chord shapes in standard tuning. Use a capo with those shapes to reach other keys.