I IV Chord Progression

In the key of C major the I-IV progression is C F. In the Nashville Number System it is written 1 4.

Jump to the chords and audio in C, G, D, A and E

Why it works

Tonic to subdominant, the plagal motion behind the 'Amen' ending. The root rises a fourth, there is no leading tone pulling anywhere, so the loop feels relaxed and can sit for a whole song. Add a b7 to the IV or the I and it turns bluesy or Mixolydian.

How to use it

There are some songs that repeat the first and fourth chords the entire time. It is common to see it in rock and folk. When riffing on only two chords you may need to use inversions or strum variations to break up the monotony. This progression is also perfect for the campfire as many non musical types can sing along!

Songs that use it

These are the chords as played in each song, in the song's own key.

SongArtistSectionChordsKey
Feelin' AlrightTrafficverse and chorusC F7C major
Everyday PeopleSly and the Family Stoneverse and chorusG C (chart: capo 3, E A shapes)G major
Born in the U.S.A.Bruce Springsteenintro, verse and chorusB EB major
In the Midnight HourWilson PickettverseE AE major
Once Bitten, Twice ShyGreat WhitechorusC FC major
What I GotSublimeverse and chorusD GD major

Keep learning

I 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.

Key of C major

C C guitar chord diagram
F F guitar chord diagram

Key of G major

G G guitar chord diagram
C C guitar chord diagram

Key of D major

D D guitar chord diagram
G G guitar chord diagram

Key of A major

A A guitar chord diagram
D D guitar chord diagram

Key of E major

E E guitar chord diagram
A A guitar chord diagram

Same loop, different starting chord

More progressions like this one

All guitar chord progressions →

Giancarlo Facoetti, founder of FaChords Guitar

Created by

Giancarlo Facoetti

Giancarlo is a musician (teaching guitar since 2000), software engineer, AI consultant and published researcher

FAQ

What are the chords of the I-IV progression in each key?

In C major: C F. In G major: G C. In D major: D G. In A major: A D. In E major: E A.

Which songs use the I-IV progression?

Songs that use it include Feelin' Alright by Traffic, Everyday People by Sly and the Family Stone, Born in the U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen.