Major Key Chord Chart for All Families

1. Common Pop Progressions

These progressions are widely used in pop, rock, and contemporary music.

I – V – vi – IV (The “Axis” Progression)
Key of C: C – G – Am – F
Key of G: G – D – Em – C
Example Songs: “Let It Be” (The Beatles), “Don’t Stop Believin'” (Journey)

I – IV – V (Classic Rock/Blues)
Key of C: C – F – G
Key of D: D – G – A
Example Songs: “Twist and Shout” (The Beatles), “Wild Thing” (The Troggs)

vi – IV – I – V (Emotional Pop/Rock)
Key of C: Am – F – C – G
Key of G: Em – C – G – D
Example Songs: “With or Without You” (U2), “Someone Like You” (Adele)

2. Jazz and R&B Progressions

These progressions add more color and complexity.

ii – V – I (Jazz Standard Progression)
Key of C: Dm – G – C
Key of F: Gm – C – F
Example Songs: Used in countless jazz standards

I – vi – ii – V (Jazz/50s Progression)
Key of C: C – Am – Dm – G
Key of F: F – Dm – Gm – C
Example Songs: “Stand by Me” (Ben E. King), “Unchained Melody” (Righteous Brothers)

3. Classical & Hymnal Progressions

I – IV – V – I (Perfect Cadence Progression)
Key of C: C – F – G – C
Key of D: D – G – A – D
Example Songs: “Ode to Joy” (Beethoven), Hymns

vi – ii – V – I (Cycle of Fifths Style)
Key of C: Am – Dm – G – C
Key of G: Em – Am – D – G
Example Songs: Classical cadences

4. Blues Progressions

12-Bar Blues (I – IV – V with Dominant 7ths)
Key of C: C7 – F7 – G7
Key of G: G7 – C7 – D7
Example Songs: “Johnny B. Goode” (Chuck Berry), “Hound Dog” (Elvis Presley)