Most Common Chord Progression
I–V–vi–IV is the most common chord progression.
Capital roman numerals represent major chords while Lower case roman numerals represent minor chords.
Each roman numeral represents a scale degree (note within the scale which can be used to build chords).
Example:
Scale/Key - C Major - iii–I–IV (E minor, C major, F Major)
Why does this chord progression work so well?
- The first I (tonic) moving to the dominant (V) creates tension to return back to the tonic. Using fifths is an easy way to harmonize.
- Ending on the IV creates tension for the turn around
