Easy Guitar Chord Progressions to Get You Started

You can absolutely rock out with a guitar solo in your bedroom, but to truly create music that resonates, that solo needs context. And what provides that context for melodies and rhythms? Harmony – built upon chord progressions!

Whether you’re just picking up the guitar or you’re an experienced player looking to solidify your fundamentals, understanding Easy Guitar Chord Progressions is essential. They are the bedrock of countless songs across genres, providing the harmonic foundation for your musical expression. Mastering them opens up a world of musical possibilities, allowing you to play your favorite songs and even write your own.

In this guide, we will explore:

Nine beginner-friendly chord progressions and popular songs that utilize them.
Four fundamental guitar chord shapes that will unlock these progressions.
The importance of understanding and using roman numerals in music theory.
Tips for crafting your own easy guitar chord progressions.

Essential Guitar Chord Shapes for Beginners

Learning a few key chord shapes is your first step towards playing a vast catalog of songs. In fact, mastering just these four chords will allow you to play a significant chunk of popular music. While the exact percentage might be debatable, the impact of these chords is undeniable!

These are simple and effective ways to voice C major, D major, G major, and E minor chords:

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If you’re new to reading these diagrams, our article on how to read guitar chord diagrams will provide a clear and comprehensive guide. Take some time to familiarize yourself with these shapes; they are the building blocks for the easy chord progressions we’ll explore.

Using just three of these chords – G, D, and C – you can immediately start playing countless classic tunes. Experiment with strumming patterns and listen to how these chords interact.

If you’re completely new to playing chords, watching a beginner-friendly video lesson can be incredibly helpful. Visual and auditory learning combined can accelerate your progress and make the learning process more enjoyable.

What Exactly is a Chord Progression?

At its core, a chord progression is simply a sequence of chords played one after another. Think of it as a harmonic loop!

A single chord repeated is often referred to as a vamp, providing a static harmonic foundation.
Two or more chords strung together create a chord progression, introducing harmonic movement and interest.
Repeating a chord progression forms a musical phrase or section, and in many cases, an entire song.

Consider Jason Mraz’s hit song “I’m Yours.” Notice how the song is built upon a repeating four-chord progression throughout the verses and chorus. The melody and lyrics change, but the underlying harmonic structure remains constant, creating a familiar and catchy feel.

It’s remarkable how much musical mileage you can get from just a handful of simple guitar chords. Understanding and utilizing chord progressions is key to unlocking your musical potential on the guitar.

Notating Guitar Chord Progressions: Chord Names

There are primarily two ways to write down guitar chord progressions:

Using chord names (like C, Dm, G7, etc.) which is straightforward and commonly used.
Employing roman numerals (I, IIm, V, etc.), a system that offers deeper musical understanding and flexibility.

Let’s begin with the more intuitive method: chord names. Referring back to “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz, we can write out its main chord progression using chord names as:

G – D – Em – C

This notation is read from left to right. You would play a G major chord, followed by a D major, then an E minor, and finally a C major chord. Repeating this sequence creates the harmonic foundation of the song.

A helpful tip for playing along with the original recording of “I’m Yours”: you’ll need to place a capo on the 4th fret of your guitar. Without a capo, the chords in the original key would be significantly more challenging: B – F# – G#m – E. A capo effectively transposes the song to an easier key.

To learn more about this useful tool, explore our article on what a capo is good for.

Understanding Chord Duration in Progressions

Sometimes, you’ll find chord progressions notated with both chord names and rhythm notation, which indicates how long to hold each chord. This is especially helpful when learning new songs or writing your own music.

The numbers at the beginning, like 4/4 or 3/4, represent the time signature, defining the rhythmic feel of the music. Vertical lines act as measures, visually separating sections of the progression and indicating chord changes.

Example 1: 4/4 Time

4/4 ||: G | D | Em | C :||

4/4 time signifies that each measure contains four beats, and each beat is a quarter note in duration. In this example, you would play each chord for four beats.
The symbols ||: and :|| indicate a repeat. After playing the C chord, you return to the beginning and play the progression again.

Example 2: 3/4 Time

3/4 ||: G | D | % | C :||

3/4 time means there are three beats per measure, with each beat being a quarter note. Here, each chord is held for three beats.
The % symbol is a shorthand for “repeat the previous chord.” So, after playing the D chord for three beats, you play the D chord again for another three beats before moving to the C chord.

Lead Sheets: The Professional Way to Notate Chord Progressions

For a more comprehensive and professional way to write down chords and songs, musicians use lead sheets. These are an industry-standard format for communicating musical information clearly and concisely.

Lead sheets are recognized as the industry-standard method for sharing songs among musicians.
They typically include the song title at the top, along with credits for the composer and lyricist.
Information about the song’s style and tempo is usually provided to set the musical context.
Chord symbols are placed above the melody line, outlining the harmonic structure for guitarists and other musicians.
The melody and lyrics are written below the chord symbols, providing the essential melodic and textual content.
Repeat signs (:||) and section letters (A, B, C, etc.) are used to indicate the song’s form or structure, such as verse, chorus, and bridge.

Why Use Roman Numerals for Chord Progressions?

Roman numerals are part of a number system that musicians have developed over centuries to communicate musical ideas efficiently and universally. Understanding roman numerals is an invaluable tool for analyzing music, transposing songs to different keys, and even writing your own chord progressions.

Here’s how roman numerals function in music theory:

Start by memorizing the seven chords that naturally occur in the key of C major and their specific order.
These chords are: C major, D minor, E minor, F major, G major, A minor, and B diminished.
Assign each of these chords a roman numeral from I to VII. Major chords are represented by uppercase numerals (I, IV, V), and minor chords by lowercase numerals (ii, iii, vi). Diminished chords are also lowercase with a “o” symbol (viio).

In the key of C Major, this looks like:

C = I (Major)
Dm = ii (minor)
Em = iii (minor)
F = IV (Major)
G = V (Major)
Am = vi (minor)
Bdim = viio (diminished)

Now, when you encounter a chord progression written in roman numerals, you can translate it into actual chords in any key. This is where the power of the system becomes apparent.

For example, the progression I – IV – V translates to:

C – F – G in the key of C Major
G – C – D in the key of G Major
A – D – E in the key of A Major, and so on.

Roman numerals also allow you to easily transpose chord progressions. If you find a progression in a key that’s difficult to play or sing in, you can transpose it to a more comfortable key by simply applying the same roman numeral progression to a different key center.

For instance, if you have a progression in F# Major: F# – A#m – C#, you can translate it to roman numerals as I – ii – V in the key of F# Major. Then, you can transpose it to the key of G major by applying the same I – ii – V progression, resulting in G – Am – D in G Major.

To delve deeper into the world of roman numerals and music theory, explore resources from experienced guitarists and music educators. Understanding this system will significantly enhance your musical comprehension and guitar playing.

Easy Guitar Chord Progressions Using Open Chords: G, D, Em, and C

Many popular songs are built using chords from a single musical key. This simplifies the songwriting process and often results in progressions that sound naturally pleasing and harmonious.

We can further simplify things by focusing on the most frequently used chords within a key. In the key of G major, the four “money-maker” chords are:

G (the I chord) – the root chord of the key, providing a sense of stability.
C (the IV chord) – the subdominant chord, creating a gentle movement away from the root.
D (the V chord) – the dominant chord, building tension and leading strongly back to the root.
Em (the VIm chord) – the relative minor chord, adding a touch of melancholy or variation.

Below are some of the most common and effective ways to combine these four chords into easy guitar chord progressions. While not all song examples are originally in the key of G, using a capo allows you to easily transpose them to match the original key of each song.

I-IV-V Progression

These three chords – I, IV, and V – are practically synonymous with the blues and have permeated countless other genres, from rock and roll to country and pop.

They are often used individually in verses or choruses, but their most iconic combination is within the 12-bar blues structure. This foundational progression has shaped much of modern music.

You can hear the I-IV-V chord progression in countless songs, including:

“Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry (classic rock and roll example)
“Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley (another rock and roll staple)
“La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens (folk-rock with a bluesy foundation)
“Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd (southern rock anthem)

I-V-VIm-IV Progression

This progression – I-V-VIm-IV – is arguably the most ubiquitous in popular music. It’s the bread and butter of countless hit songs across decades and genres. Some songs are built entirely around this “magic” combination, while others use it for specific sections like the chorus to create a memorable hook.

Song examples that heavily feature the I-V-VIm-IV progression include:

“Let It Be” by The Beatles (iconic ballad)
“Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey (arena rock anthem)
“Someone Like You” by Adele (modern pop ballad)
“With or Without You” by U2 (anthemic rock ballad)

As famously demonstrated by Axis of Awesome’s “4 Chord Song” medley, a vast number of songs utilize this progression, often transposed to different keys to suit various vocal ranges and musical styles.

I-VIm-IV-V Progression

Slightly rearranging the previous progression, we get I-VIm-IV-V. This variation was particularly popular in the 1950s and 60s, shaping the sound of early rock and roll, doo-wop, and pop music. However, its appeal remains timeless, as evidenced by contemporary artists who continue to use it.

Examples of songs using the I-VIm-IV-V progression include:

“Stand By Me” by Ben E. King (classic doo-wop ballad)
“Every Breath You Take” by The Police (new wave pop hit)
“Love Story” by Taylor Swift (modern country-pop crossover)
“No One” by Alicia Keys (R&B-infused ballad)

VIm-IV-I-V Progression

Yet another effective variation using the same core chords is VIm-IV-I-V. By now, you’re likely recognizing how simple it can be to create compelling chord progressions by rearranging a small set of chords. Experimenting with different orders is a great way to develop your own musical ideas.

Songs that utilize the VIm-IV-I-V progression include:

“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen (and famously covered by Jeff Buckley) (haunting ballad)
“Wonderwall” by Oasis (Britpop anthem)
“Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers (alternative rock classic)
“Skinny Love” by Bon Iver (indie folk ballad)

IIm-V-I Progression

Stepping slightly beyond our core four open chords, adding just one more – the Dm (D minor) chord – unlocks a world of harmonic sophistication, particularly in genres like jazz. The IIm-V-I progression is a cornerstone of jazz harmony and related styles.

This progression creates a smooth and satisfying harmonic movement, often used in jazz standards and jazz-influenced genres. While the IIm-V-I can appear in various keys, the key of C major offers a beginner-friendly way to play it without relying on barre chords.

In the key of C Major, the IIm-V-I progression is:

Dm (the IIm chord) – the ii minor chord in C major.
G (the V chord) – the dominant chord.
C (the I chord) – the tonic chord.

Here’s a common voicing for the D minor chord:

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Exploring Chord Progressions in Rock, Neo-Soul, and R&B

Moving beyond the basic four-chord progressions, let’s briefly touch upon examples from other genres that showcase a wider range of harmonic colors and complexities. These examples may introduce some new chord symbols, which we’ll clarify below.

Neo-Soul: IIm9 – IIm9/V – VIm – bIII13

Example: “Brown Sugar” by D’Angelo

Neo-soul often utilizes extended chords and sophisticated harmonies. The progression above, while seemingly complex, creates a smooth and jazzy feel characteristic of the genre. For a deeper dive, explore resources dedicated to neo-soul chord progressions.

R&B: IIIm – IIm and IV – IIIm – IIm

Example: “Doo-Wop (That Thing)” by Lauryn Hill

R&B frequently employs smooth, cyclical progressions with a focus on groove and rhythmic feel. These progressions often use minor chords and stepwise motion.

Rock: I – V – VIm – IIIm – IV – I – V

Example: “Basket Case” by Green Day

Rock music often uses powerful and driving progressions. This example from Green Day expands on the basic I-V-VIm-IV by adding a IIIm chord, creating a slightly different harmonic flavor.

Punk: Im – bVI – Im/V – V7

Example: “All Torn Down” by The Living End

Punk rock often favors raw energy and simplicity. This progression uses minor chords and a flattened VI chord (bVI) to create a darker, more aggressive sound.

Decoding Guitar Chord Progression Symbols: Beyond the Basics

While some chord symbols are straightforward (like C, G, Dm), others can appear more complex, resembling musical equations. Understanding these symbols is crucial for navigating a wider range of musical styles.

We’ve already covered roman numerals for chords within a major key. But what about minor keys or chords that fall outside the main key of a song?

Every chord in a song is related to the key center (the main note of the key) or to its neighboring chords within the progression.

For instance, in the key of A minor, the third chord is C major. Because C is a minor third interval away from A (not a major third), we denote it as bIII – a “flattened” or minor third.
You can use b (flat) or # (sharp) symbols before a roman numeral to indicate alterations to the chord’s root.

Secondary Dominants: Adding Harmonic Color

Sometimes, it’s more musically insightful to notate chords in relation to a neighboring chord rather than solely to the overall key center. This is particularly true for secondary dominants, which are chords that create a strong pull towards a chord other than the tonic (I chord).

Consider this progression from Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”: C – F – G – Am – F – G – E7 – Am.
Most chords fit naturally into the key of C major. However, the E7 chord stands out.
While we could technically label E7 as III7 in the key of C, it’s more informative to understand its function. E7 acts as the V7 of VIm (the dominant 7th chord of the vi chord, Am).
E is the V chord of A. The E7 chord is strategically placed before the Am chord to create a strong secondary dominant effect, intensifying the resolution to Am.

Expanding Chord Qualities: Beyond Major and Minor

Beyond major and minor chords, you’ll encounter other chord qualities in music notation:

Half-diminished chords: Represented as note name/roman numeral + “m7b5” (e.g., Bm7b5, viim7b5).
Diminished chords: Note name/roman numeral + “o” (e.g., Bo, viio).
Augmented chords: Note name/roman numeral + “+” (e.g., C+, I+).
Chord extensions: Note name/roman numeral + extension interval (e.g., Em9, iiim9), indicating added notes beyond the basic triad.

There’s some stylistic variation in how roman numerals are written. You might occasionally see lowercase roman numerals used to consistently indicate minor and diminished chords, even in major keys.

For example, two common ways to notate the scale degrees in a major key are:

I – ii – iii – IV – V – vi – viio (using lowercase for minor and diminished)
I – IIm – IIIm – IV – V – VIm – VIIo (using uppercase for major, lowercase for minor and diminished, and “m” for minor and “o” for diminished explicitly)

Both notations are valid and convey the same musical information. Context usually makes it clear which system is being used.

Start Writing Your Own Easy Chord Progressions

Now that you’ve explored various examples, creating your own chord progressions should feel less daunting. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:

Choose a key: Select a key like G major or C major to begin with.
Identify chords in the key: Determine the chords that naturally belong to your chosen key (using roman numerals as a guide).
Combine a few chords: Experiment with combining 3-4 chords from that key.
Use popular progressions as inspiration: Draw inspiration from the easy progressions we discussed (I-IV-V, I-V-VIm-IV, etc.) or let your ear guide you.
Experiment and listen: Play around with different chord orders and listen for combinations that sound pleasing to you.
Choose a tempo and strumming pattern: Add rhythm to your progression by selecting a tempo and strumming pattern that complements the harmonic feel.

Don’t worry about accidentally “copying” a chord progression. Chord progressions themselves are not copyrightable. It’s the unique combination of melody, lyrics, and arrangement that makes a song distinct. Focus on creating music that sounds good to you!

Conclusion: Easy Chord Progressions are Your Musical Launchpad

For beginner guitarists, starting with easy guitar chord progressions using chords like G, C, D, and Em is a highly effective approach. These chords unlock a vast repertoire of songs and provide a solid foundation for musical understanding.

Mastering progressions like:

I-IV-V (G – C – D) – Blues, Rock, Country, Pop
I-V-VIm-IV (G – D – Em – C) – Pop, Rock, Ballads
I-VIm-IV-V (G – Em – C – D) – 50s/60s Pop, Modern Pop

is a fantastic starting point. It’s also beneficial to learn the roman numeral system to understand the underlying theory and to transpose and analyze chord progressions more effectively.

Lead sheets are the professional standard for notating songs, but simple chord charts using chord names are often sufficient for learning and jamming.

If you’re eager to deepen your understanding of writing chord progressions and analyzing songs, consider signing up for a free 14-day trial at Pickup Music.

Our Music Theory Learning Pathway provides a structured course with daily lessons and practical guitar-focused assignments. All aspects of music theory are directly connected to the guitar, enabling you to apply your knowledge immediately and enhance your playing.

Author: Julia Mahncke

Julia Mahncke is a journalist and musician based in Pittsburgh, PA. Holding a degree in musicology from the University of Bonn and a guitar performance degree from the University of Oregon, Julia is a skilled guitarist with a knack for communicating musical concepts in a straightfoward manner.

She has written, recorded, and performed music as a solo artist, as part of a duo, and as the lead guitarist for the band Meeping. With hundreds of shows under her belt, Julia plays bass in various projects, enjoys participating in jam sessions in Pittsburgh, and remains active as a singer-songwriter.

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