Open Turnaround Chord progressions Major & minor keys Get in touch Chord progressions Four-Chord Songs I, V, vi and IV, in every rotation
Four chords drawn from the major scale — most often I, V, vi and IV — looped without ever leaving the key. The reason so many songs share them is that the set contains the three major triads plus the relative minor, so the loop can feel bright or sad depending only on where it starts.
The chords, in every key Every progression below moves together, so the comparison stays honest.
What actually differs The first three are the same four chords rotated, and the rotation is the entire difference. Starting on the I gives the familiar rising, optimistic version; starting on the vi puts the relative minor first, so the identical chords now sound like a minor-key song that keeps resolving upward — that one rotation is why the same four chords carry both an anthem and a breakup song. The doo-wop order runs I–vi–IV–V, which places the minor second rather than first and turns the loop into a gentle descent-and-lift. The royal road swaps the I out for the iii, which removes the tonic from the loop entirely and is why it never quite lands. Pachelbel's sequence is eight bars rather than four and walks the bass down by step, and the two seventh-chord loops — the neo-soul and the dream-pop pair — trade movement for colour, adding major sevenths so the loop shimmers instead of driving.
All 8 in this family Axis of Awesome I – V – vi – IV
Pop major 4 bars
The four-chord pop song. Heard in hundreds of hits, uplifting and instantly familiar.
Axis of Awesome in C major Bar Chord Numeral 1 C I 2 G V 3 Am vi 4 F IV
What to play over it In C major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
C Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes C D E F G A B
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in C major · The key of C major
Axis of Awesome in Db major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Db I 2 Ab V 3 Bbm vi 4 Gb IV
What to play over it In Db major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Db Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Db major · The key of Db major
Axis of Awesome in D major Bar Chord Numeral 1 D I 2 A V 3 Bm vi 4 G IV
What to play over it In D major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
D Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D E F♯ G A B C♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in D major · The key of D major
Axis of Awesome in Eb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Eb I 2 Bb V 3 Cm vi 4 Ab IV
What to play over it In Eb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Eb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C D
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Eb major · The key of Eb major
Axis of Awesome in E major Bar Chord Numeral 1 E I 2 B V 3 C#m vi 4 A IV
What to play over it In E major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
E Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in E major · The key of E major
Axis of Awesome in F major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F I 2 C V 3 Dm vi 4 Bb IV
What to play over it In F major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
F Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F G A B♭ C D E
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in F major · The key of F major
Axis of Awesome in F# major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F# I 2 C# V 3 D#m vi 4 B IV
What to play over it In F# major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
F# Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in F# major · The key of F# major
Axis of Awesome in G major Bar Chord Numeral 1 G I 2 D V 3 Em vi 4 C IV
What to play over it In G major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
G Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes G A B C D E F♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in G major · The key of G major
Axis of Awesome in Ab major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Ab I 2 Eb V 3 Fm vi 4 Db IV
What to play over it In Ab major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Ab Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Ab major · The key of Ab major
Axis of Awesome in A major Bar Chord Numeral 1 A I 2 E V 3 F#m vi 4 D IV
What to play over it In A major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
A Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A B C♯ D E F♯ G♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in A major · The key of A major
Axis of Awesome in Bb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bb I 2 F V 3 Gm vi 4 Eb IV
What to play over it In Bb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Bb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B♭ C D E♭ F G A
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Bb major · The key of Bb major
Axis of Awesome in B major Bar Chord Numeral 1 B I 2 F# V 3 G#m vi 4 E IV
What to play over it In B major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
B Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in B major · The key of B major
Documented in the wild Let It Be The Beatles Don't Stop Believin' Journey With or Without You U2 Someone Like You Adele Play it in Turnaround · The key of C major
Pop-Punk / Sensitive vi – IV – I – V
Pop major 4 bars
Same four chords starting on the relative minor, emotional, anthemic, used across pop-punk and ballads.
Pop-Punk / Sensitive in C major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Am vi 2 F IV 3 C I 4 G V
What to play over it In C major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
C Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes C D E F G A B
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in C major · The key of C major
Pop-Punk / Sensitive in Db major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bbm vi 2 Gb IV 3 Db I 4 Ab V
What to play over it In Db major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Db Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Db major · The key of Db major
Pop-Punk / Sensitive in D major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bm vi 2 G IV 3 D I 4 A V
What to play over it In D major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
D Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D E F♯ G A B C♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in D major · The key of D major
Pop-Punk / Sensitive in Eb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Cm vi 2 Ab IV 3 Eb I 4 Bb V
What to play over it In Eb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Eb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C D
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Eb major · The key of Eb major
Pop-Punk / Sensitive in E major Bar Chord Numeral 1 C#m vi 2 A IV 3 E I 4 B V
What to play over it In E major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
E Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in E major · The key of E major
Pop-Punk / Sensitive in F major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Dm vi 2 Bb IV 3 F I 4 C V
What to play over it In F major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
F Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F G A B♭ C D E
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in F major · The key of F major
Pop-Punk / Sensitive in F# major Bar Chord Numeral 1 D#m vi 2 B IV 3 F# I 4 C# V
What to play over it In F# major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
F# Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in F# major · The key of F# major
Pop-Punk / Sensitive in G major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Em vi 2 C IV 3 G I 4 D V
What to play over it In G major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
G Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes G A B C D E F♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in G major · The key of G major
Pop-Punk / Sensitive in Ab major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Fm vi 2 Db IV 3 Ab I 4 Eb V
What to play over it In Ab major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Ab Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Ab major · The key of Ab major
Pop-Punk / Sensitive in A major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F#m vi 2 D IV 3 A I 4 E V
What to play over it In A major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
A Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A B C♯ D E F♯ G♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in A major · The key of A major
Pop-Punk / Sensitive in Bb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Gm vi 2 Eb IV 3 Bb I 4 F V
What to play over it In Bb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Bb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B♭ C D E♭ F G A
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Bb major · The key of Bb major
Pop-Punk / Sensitive in B major Bar Chord Numeral 1 G#m vi 2 E IV 3 B I 4 F# V
What to play over it In B major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
B Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in B major · The key of B major
Documented in the wild Alone Heart Perfect Ed Sheeran Play it in Turnaround · The key of C major
50s Doo-Wop I – vi – IV – V
Pop major 4 bars
The 'Stand By Me' / 'Earth Angel' changes. Nostalgic, doo-wop and early rock & roll.
50s Doo-Wop in C major Bar Chord Numeral 1 C I 2 Am vi 3 F IV 4 G V
What to play over it In C major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
C Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes C D E F G A B
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in C major · The key of C major
50s Doo-Wop in Db major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Db I 2 Bbm vi 3 Gb IV 4 Ab V
What to play over it In Db major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Db Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Db major · The key of Db major
50s Doo-Wop in D major Bar Chord Numeral 1 D I 2 Bm vi 3 G IV 4 A V
What to play over it In D major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
D Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D E F♯ G A B C♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in D major · The key of D major
50s Doo-Wop in Eb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Eb I 2 Cm vi 3 Ab IV 4 Bb V
What to play over it In Eb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Eb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C D
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Eb major · The key of Eb major
50s Doo-Wop in E major Bar Chord Numeral 1 E I 2 C#m vi 3 A IV 4 B V
What to play over it In E major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
E Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in E major · The key of E major
50s Doo-Wop in F major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F I 2 Dm vi 3 Bb IV 4 C V
What to play over it In F major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
F Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F G A B♭ C D E
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in F major · The key of F major
50s Doo-Wop in F# major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F# I 2 D#m vi 3 B IV 4 C# V
What to play over it In F# major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
F# Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in F# major · The key of F# major
50s Doo-Wop in G major Bar Chord Numeral 1 G I 2 Em vi 3 C IV 4 D V
What to play over it In G major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
G Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes G A B C D E F♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in G major · The key of G major
50s Doo-Wop in Ab major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Ab I 2 Fm vi 3 Db IV 4 Eb V
What to play over it In Ab major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Ab Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Ab major · The key of Ab major
50s Doo-Wop in A major Bar Chord Numeral 1 A I 2 F#m vi 3 D IV 4 E V
What to play over it In A major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
A Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A B C♯ D E F♯ G♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in A major · The key of A major
50s Doo-Wop in Bb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bb I 2 Gm vi 3 Eb IV 4 F V
What to play over it In Bb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Bb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B♭ C D E♭ F G A
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Bb major · The key of Bb major
50s Doo-Wop in B major Bar Chord Numeral 1 B I 2 G#m vi 3 E IV 4 F# V
What to play over it In B major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
B Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in B major · The key of B major
Documented in the wild Stand By Me Ben E. King Earth Angel The Penguins Duke of Earl Gene Chandler Blue Moon The Marcels Play it in Turnaround · The key of C major
Royal Road IV – V – iii – vi
Pop major 4 bars
The 'Ōdō shinkō' beloved in J-pop and anime themes. Bright tension resolving to the relative minor.
Royal Road in C major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F IV 2 G V 3 Em iii 4 Am vi
What to play over it In C major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
F Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes F G A B C D E
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in C major · The key of C major
Royal Road in Db major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Gb IV 2 Ab V 3 Fm iii 4 Bbm vi
What to play over it In Db major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Gb Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes G♭ A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in Db major · The key of Db major
Royal Road in D major Bar Chord Numeral 1 G IV 2 A V 3 F#m iii 4 Bm vi
What to play over it In D major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
G Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes G A B C♯ D E F♯
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in D major · The key of D major
Royal Road in Eb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Ab IV 2 Bb V 3 Gm iii 4 Cm vi
What to play over it In Eb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Ab Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes A♭ B♭ C D E♭ F G
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in Eb major · The key of Eb major
Royal Road in E major Bar Chord Numeral 1 A IV 2 B V 3 G#m iii 4 C#m vi
What to play over it In E major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
A Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes A B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in E major · The key of E major
Royal Road in F major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bb IV 2 C V 3 Am iii 4 Dm vi
What to play over it In F major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Bb Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes B♭ C D E F G A
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in F major · The key of F major
Royal Road in F# major Bar Chord Numeral 1 B IV 2 C# V 3 A#m iii 4 D#m vi
What to play over it In F# major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
B Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes B C♯ D♯ E♯ F♯ G♯ A♯
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in F# major · The key of F# major
Royal Road in G major Bar Chord Numeral 1 C IV 2 D V 3 Bm iii 4 Em vi
What to play over it In G major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
C Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes C D E F♯ G A B
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in G major · The key of G major
Royal Road in Ab major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Db IV 2 Eb V 3 Cm iii 4 Fm vi
What to play over it In Ab major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Db Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes D♭ E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in Ab major · The key of Ab major
Royal Road in A major Bar Chord Numeral 1 D IV 2 E V 3 C#m iii 4 F#m vi
What to play over it In A major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
D Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes D E F♯ G♯ A B C♯
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in A major · The key of A major
Royal Road in Bb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Eb IV 2 F V 3 Dm iii 4 Gm vi
What to play over it In Bb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Eb Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes E♭ F G A B♭ C D
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in Bb major · The key of Bb major
Royal Road in B major Bar Chord Numeral 1 E IV 2 F# V 3 D#m iii 4 G#m vi
What to play over it In B major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
E Lydian major with a sharp 4th Notes E F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Nothing here to dodge — the bright 4th belongs to the key.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in B major · The key of B major
Documented in the wild Cruel Angel's Thesis Yoko Takahashi Lemon Kenshi Yonezu KICK BACK Kenshi Yonezu Play it in Turnaround · The key of C major
Power Ballad I – iii – IV – V
Rock major 4 bars
Stepwise, rising motion, the slow-burn rock ballad climb.
Power Ballad in C major Bar Chord Numeral 1 C I 2 Em iii 3 F IV 4 G V
What to play over it In C major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
C Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes C D E F G A B
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in C major · The key of C major
Power Ballad in Db major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Db I 2 Fm iii 3 Gb IV 4 Ab V
What to play over it In Db major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Db Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Db major · The key of Db major
Power Ballad in D major Bar Chord Numeral 1 D I 2 F#m iii 3 G IV 4 A V
What to play over it In D major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
D Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D E F♯ G A B C♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in D major · The key of D major
Power Ballad in Eb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Eb I 2 Gm iii 3 Ab IV 4 Bb V
What to play over it In Eb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Eb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C D
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Eb major · The key of Eb major
Power Ballad in E major Bar Chord Numeral 1 E I 2 G#m iii 3 A IV 4 B V
What to play over it In E major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
E Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in E major · The key of E major
Power Ballad in F major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F I 2 Am iii 3 Bb IV 4 C V
What to play over it In F major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
F Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F G A B♭ C D E
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in F major · The key of F major
Power Ballad in F# major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F# I 2 A#m iii 3 B IV 4 C# V
What to play over it In F# major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
F# Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in F# major · The key of F# major
Power Ballad in G major Bar Chord Numeral 1 G I 2 Bm iii 3 C IV 4 D V
What to play over it In G major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
G Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes G A B C D E F♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in G major · The key of G major
Power Ballad in Ab major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Ab I 2 Cm iii 3 Db IV 4 Eb V
What to play over it In Ab major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Ab Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Ab major · The key of Ab major
Power Ballad in A major Bar Chord Numeral 1 A I 2 C#m iii 3 D IV 4 E V
What to play over it In A major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
A Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A B C♯ D E F♯ G♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in A major · The key of A major
Power Ballad in Bb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bb I 2 Dm iii 3 Eb IV 4 F V
What to play over it In Bb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Bb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B♭ C D E♭ F G A
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Bb major · The key of Bb major
Power Ballad in B major Bar Chord Numeral 1 B I 2 D#m iii 3 E IV 4 F# V
What to play over it In B major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
B Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in B major · The key of B major
Documented in the wild Crocodile Rock Elton John Have I Told You Lately Rod Stewart Play it in Turnaround · The key of C major
Neo-Soul IΔ7 – iii7 – vi7 – IVΔ7
R&B / Soul major 4 bars
Lush seventh chords for neo-soul, lo-fi and modern R&B.
Neo-Soul in C major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Cmaj7 IΔ7 2 Em7 iii7 3 Am7 vi7 4 Fmaj7 IVΔ7
What to play over it In C major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
C Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes C D E F G A B
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in C major · The key of C major
Neo-Soul in Db major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Dbmaj7 IΔ7 2 Fm7 iii7 3 Bbm7 vi7 4 Gbmaj7 IVΔ7
What to play over it In Db major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Db Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Db major · The key of Db major
Neo-Soul in D major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Dmaj7 IΔ7 2 F#m7 iii7 3 Bm7 vi7 4 Gmaj7 IVΔ7
What to play over it In D major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
D Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D E F♯ G A B C♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in D major · The key of D major
Neo-Soul in Eb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Ebmaj7 IΔ7 2 Gm7 iii7 3 Cm7 vi7 4 Abmaj7 IVΔ7
What to play over it In Eb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Eb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C D
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Eb major · The key of Eb major
Neo-Soul in E major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Emaj7 IΔ7 2 G#m7 iii7 3 C#m7 vi7 4 Amaj7 IVΔ7
What to play over it In E major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
E Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in E major · The key of E major
Neo-Soul in F major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Fmaj7 IΔ7 2 Am7 iii7 3 Dm7 vi7 4 Bbmaj7 IVΔ7
What to play over it In F major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
F Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F G A B♭ C D E
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in F major · The key of F major
Neo-Soul in F# major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F#maj7 IΔ7 2 A#m7 iii7 3 D#m7 vi7 4 Bmaj7 IVΔ7
What to play over it In F# major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
F# Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in F# major · The key of F# major
Neo-Soul in G major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Gmaj7 IΔ7 2 Bm7 iii7 3 Em7 vi7 4 Cmaj7 IVΔ7
What to play over it In G major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
G Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes G A B C D E F♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in G major · The key of G major
Neo-Soul in Ab major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Abmaj7 IΔ7 2 Cm7 iii7 3 Fm7 vi7 4 Dbmaj7 IVΔ7
What to play over it In Ab major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Ab Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Ab major · The key of Ab major
Neo-Soul in A major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Amaj7 IΔ7 2 C#m7 iii7 3 F#m7 vi7 4 Dmaj7 IVΔ7
What to play over it In A major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
A Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A B C♯ D E F♯ G♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in A major · The key of A major
Neo-Soul in Bb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bbmaj7 IΔ7 2 Dm7 iii7 3 Gm7 vi7 4 Ebmaj7 IVΔ7
What to play over it In Bb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Bb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B♭ C D E♭ F G A
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Bb major · The key of Bb major
Neo-Soul in B major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bmaj7 IΔ7 2 D#m7 iii7 3 G#m7 vi7 4 Emaj7 IVΔ7
What to play over it In B major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
B Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in B major · The key of B major
Play it in Turnaround · The key of C major
Pachelbel's Canon I – V – vi – iii – IV – I – IV – V
Classical / Pop major 8 bars
The 300-year-old eight-chord sequence reused in countless pop songs.
Pachelbel's Canon in C major Bar Chord Numeral 1 C I 2 G V 3 Am vi 4 Em iii 5 F IV 6 C I 7 F IV 8 G V
What to play over it In C major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–8
C Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes C D E F G A B
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in C major · The key of C major
Pachelbel's Canon in Db major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Db I 2 Ab V 3 Bbm vi 4 Fm iii 5 Gb IV 6 Db I 7 Gb IV 8 Ab V
What to play over it In Db major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–8
Db Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Db major · The key of Db major
Pachelbel's Canon in D major Bar Chord Numeral 1 D I 2 A V 3 Bm vi 4 F#m iii 5 G IV 6 D I 7 G IV 8 A V
What to play over it In D major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–8
D Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D E F♯ G A B C♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in D major · The key of D major
Pachelbel's Canon in Eb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Eb I 2 Bb V 3 Cm vi 4 Gm iii 5 Ab IV 6 Eb I 7 Ab IV 8 Bb V
What to play over it In Eb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–8
Eb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C D
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Eb major · The key of Eb major
Pachelbel's Canon in E major Bar Chord Numeral 1 E I 2 B V 3 C#m vi 4 G#m iii 5 A IV 6 E I 7 A IV 8 B V
What to play over it In E major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–8
E Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in E major · The key of E major
Pachelbel's Canon in F major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F I 2 C V 3 Dm vi 4 Am iii 5 Bb IV 6 F I 7 Bb IV 8 C V
What to play over it In F major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–8
F Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F G A B♭ C D E
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in F major · The key of F major
Pachelbel's Canon in F# major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F# I 2 C# V 3 D#m vi 4 A#m iii 5 B IV 6 F# I 7 B IV 8 C# V
What to play over it In F# major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–8
F# Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in F# major · The key of F# major
Pachelbel's Canon in G major Bar Chord Numeral 1 G I 2 D V 3 Em vi 4 Bm iii 5 C IV 6 G I 7 C IV 8 D V
What to play over it In G major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–8
G Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes G A B C D E F♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in G major · The key of G major
Pachelbel's Canon in Ab major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Ab I 2 Eb V 3 Fm vi 4 Cm iii 5 Db IV 6 Ab I 7 Db IV 8 Eb V
What to play over it In Ab major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–8
Ab Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Ab major · The key of Ab major
Pachelbel's Canon in A major Bar Chord Numeral 1 A I 2 E V 3 F#m vi 4 C#m iii 5 D IV 6 A I 7 D IV 8 E V
What to play over it In A major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–8
A Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A B C♯ D E F♯ G♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in A major · The key of A major
Pachelbel's Canon in Bb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bb I 2 F V 3 Gm vi 4 Dm iii 5 Eb IV 6 Bb I 7 Eb IV 8 F V
What to play over it In Bb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–8
Bb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B♭ C D E♭ F G A
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Bb major · The key of Bb major
Pachelbel's Canon in B major Bar Chord Numeral 1 B I 2 F# V 3 G#m vi 4 D#m iii 5 E IV 6 B I 7 E IV 8 F# V
What to play over it In B major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–8
B Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in B major · The key of B major
Documented in the wild Canon in D Johann Pachelbel Don't Look Back in Anger Oasis Basket Case Green Day Memories Maroon 5 Play it in Turnaround · Full page for Pachelbel's Canon · The key of C major
Dream Pop Drift IΔ7 – IVΔ7
Alt / Indie major 2 bars
Two lush maj7 chords floating back and forth, shoegaze, dream pop, and late-night writing sessions.
Dream Pop Drift in C major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Cmaj7 IΔ7 2 Fmaj7 IVΔ7
What to play over it In C major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
C Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes C D E F G A B
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in C major · The key of C major
Dream Pop Drift in Db major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Dbmaj7 IΔ7 2 Gbmaj7 IVΔ7
What to play over it In Db major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
Db Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Db major · The key of Db major
Dream Pop Drift in D major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Dmaj7 IΔ7 2 Gmaj7 IVΔ7
What to play over it In D major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
D Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D E F♯ G A B C♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in D major · The key of D major
Dream Pop Drift in Eb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Ebmaj7 IΔ7 2 Abmaj7 IVΔ7
What to play over it In Eb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
Eb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C D
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Eb major · The key of Eb major
Dream Pop Drift in E major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Emaj7 IΔ7 2 Amaj7 IVΔ7
What to play over it In E major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
E Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in E major · The key of E major
Dream Pop Drift in F major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Fmaj7 IΔ7 2 Bbmaj7 IVΔ7
What to play over it In F major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
F Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F G A B♭ C D E
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in F major · The key of F major
Dream Pop Drift in F# major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F#maj7 IΔ7 2 Bmaj7 IVΔ7
What to play over it In F# major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
F# Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in F# major · The key of F# major
Dream Pop Drift in G major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Gmaj7 IΔ7 2 Cmaj7 IVΔ7
What to play over it In G major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
G Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes G A B C D E F♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in G major · The key of G major
Dream Pop Drift in Ab major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Abmaj7 IΔ7 2 Dbmaj7 IVΔ7
What to play over it In Ab major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
Ab Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Ab major · The key of Ab major
Dream Pop Drift in A major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Amaj7 IΔ7 2 Dmaj7 IVΔ7
What to play over it In A major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
A Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A B C♯ D E F♯ G♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in A major · The key of A major
Dream Pop Drift in Bb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bbmaj7 IΔ7 2 Ebmaj7 IVΔ7
What to play over it In Bb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
Bb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B♭ C D E♭ F G A
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Bb major · The key of Bb major
Dream Pop Drift in B major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bmaj7 IΔ7 2 Emaj7 IVΔ7
What to play over it In B major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
B Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in B major · The key of B major
Play it in Turnaround · The key of C major