IviIVV

Pop / Doo-Wop / Rock · beginner

I-vi-IV-V

The classic 50s progression. Warm, nostalgic, and endlessly singable — the foundation of doo-wop, early rock and roll, and countless ballads.

nostalgicwarmromantictimeless

Hear I-vi-IV-V in Any Key

How to Identify It

The vi minor chord gives a nostalgic, slightly wistful quality. Then IV and V lead you back. It feels circular and complete. Think of 1950s vocal harmony groups.

Famous Examples

  • Earth Angel — The Penguins
  • Stand By Me — Ben E. King
  • Every Breath You Take — Police
  • Africa — Toto
  • Can't Help Falling in Love — Elvis
Test your earThe recognition trainer plays random progressions — identify them with instant feedback.
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I-vi-IV-V in All 12 Keys

CC – Am – F – GC#D♭Db – Bbm – Gb – AbDD – Bm – G – AD#E♭Eb – Cm – Ab – BbEE – C#m – A – BFF – Dm – Bb – CF#G♭F# – D#m – B – C#GG – Em – C – DG#A♭Ab – Fm – Db – EbAA – F#m – D – EA#B♭Bb – Gm – Eb – FBB – G#m – E – F#

Related Progressions

12-Bar BluesBlues / Rock / JazzThe defining form of the blues — a 12-bar cycle using I…I-IV-V-IClassical / Pop / RockThe most fundamental progression in Western music. Toni…I-V-vi-IVPop / RockThe most ubiquitous progression in modern pop music. Op…IV-I-V-viPop / AnthemThe 'axis progression' starting on IV — the same chords…

About the I-vi-IV-V Progression

The I-vi-IV-V progression uses the chords I – vi – IV – V from the major scale. The classic 50s progression. Warm, nostalgic, and endlessly singable — the foundation of doo-wop, early rock and roll, and countless ballads.

To recognise the I-vi-IV-V by ear, focus on its characteristic mood — nostalgic, warm, romantic, timeless. Practice hearing it in different keys using the player above. Each key gives the same harmonic movement but a different tonal colour, which is why being able to identify the progression regardless of key is the real skill.