I ii IV Chord Progression
In the key of C major the I-ii-IV progression is C Dm F. In the Nashville Number System it is written 1 2m 4.
Jump to the chords and audio in C, G, D, A and E
Why it works
All diatonic, with ii and IV as twin pre-dominants that never reach V. The loop stays gentle and open, and the bass steps up before the jump to IV.
How to use it
It is normal to see the I-ii-IV be followed by a V, but not always! Many songwriters have shown that just these three chords can make great tunes. It makes for a great verse progression!
Songs that use it
These are the chords as played in each song, in the song's own key.
| Song | Artist | Section | Chords | Key |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Don't Worry Be Happy | Bobby McFerrin | intro and verse | B C#m E B | B major |
| What's Up | 4 Non Blondes | chorus lead-out | A Bm D A | A major |
| Kate | Ben Folds Five | verse | F Gm Bb F | F major |
| The Boys Are Back in Town | Thin Lizzy | chorus | Ab Bbm Db | Ab major |
| She Don't Use Jelly | The Flaming Lips | chorus | D Em G | D Mixolydian |
| Never Be Like You | Flume | chorus | C Dm F | C major |
I ii IV Chord Progression: Chords and Audio in C, G, D, A and E
Press play to hear each key. The diagrams show the shapes used in the audio, and every chord links to its full page.
More progressions like this one
- I-vi-IV-ii: C Am F Dm
- Singer-songwriter progression: Am F C G
- Hopscotch progression: F G Am C
- Rotated doo-wop: F G C Am
All guitar chord progressions →
Created by
Giancarlo is a musician (teaching guitar since 2000), software engineer, AI consultant and published researcher
FAQ
What are the chords of the I-ii-IV progression in each key?
In C major: C Dm F. In G major: G Am C. In D major: D Em G. In A major: A Bm D. In E major: E F#m A.
Which songs use the I-ii-IV progression?
Songs that use it include Don't Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin, What's Up by 4 Non Blondes, Kate by Ben Folds Five.
