5 Powerful Chord Progressions Every Songwriter Should Use

Ever sit down to write a song and get stuck on what chords to play next? Many songwriters—beginners and pros—get lost in the early stages of building a chord progression.

You’ve got lyrics, maybe even a melody, but nothing sounds quite right when you try to put chords behind it. The melody played doesn’t hit as hard without the right harmonic structure. It can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to write a memorable song.

You turn to proven formulas—popular chord progressions that songwriters have leaned on for decades. These chord progressions every songwriter should use are powerful, versatile, and sound good across different keys and genres, from blues to pop music to classic rock.

Here are the progressions you need in your songwriting toolbox.

• 1. The I–V–vi–IV Progression (C–G–Am–F)
• 2. The vi–IV–I–V Progression (Am–F–C–G)
• 3. The I–IV–V Progression (C–F–G)
• 4. The ii–V–I Progression (Dm–G–C)
• 5. The I–vi–IV–V Progression (C–Am–F–G)
• Bonus Progression: I–bVII–IV (C–Bb–F)
• Tips for Writing Your Next Hit
• Final Thoughts

1. The I–V–vi–IV Progression (C–G–Am–F)

Arguably the king of popular chord progressions, this one is used in songs like “Let It Be” (The Beatles), “No Woman No Cry” (Bob Marley), and “Don’t Stop Believing” (Journey).

In the key of C major, you’d play:

C chord (I)

G chord (V)

A minor chord (vi)

F chord (IV)

This basic chord progression sounds complete and emotional. The movement from major to minor chords and back creates an emotional journey your listeners can feel instantly. It’s also easy to play on piano or guitar.

Use it when you’re writing pop music, heartfelt ballads, or sing-along choruses. It fits nearly every major key.

2. The vi–IV–I–V Progression (Am–F–C–G)

Want a common chord progression with a sadder twist? This one begins on the relative minor and goes back to the major.

In C major, the chords are:

Am (vi)–F (IV)–C (I)–G (V)

This progression emphasizes emotional storytelling. The vi IV combination creates it a yearning tone. It’s also a go-to choice for many songwriting sessions.

If you’re a beginner, start by learning these chords. You can easily find a chord chart online or explore guitar chords for beginners to practice this in the key of C or G. Just strum and sing—and you might stumble upon your next hit.

3. The I–IV–V Progression (C–F–G)

It powers countless blues, rock, and early pop music hits. It’s simple, energetic, and a great way to start writing fast.

In C major, that’s:

C chord (I) – F chord (IV) – G chord (V)

This I IV V structure is everywhere. It’s great when paired with blues scales or strong rhythmic patterns. Want more depth? Add a secondary dominant or borrowed chords for flavor.

Tip: If your melody feels flat, switch up the rhythm or use passing notes between chords.

4. The ii–V–I Progression (Dm–G–C)

This is a staple in jazz and R&B, but it works beautifully in many styles. It’s often more subtle and sophisticated, allowing smooth harmonic motion.

In C major, it’s:

Dm (ii) – G (V) – C (I)

This progression shines when played with jazzy voicings, like adding sevenths: Dm7–G7–Cmaj7. It creates a rich harmonic structure and flows naturally into extended chords.

Great for: Lounge-style ballads, chill grooves, or even Sunday morning coffeehouse tunes.

5. The I–vi–IV–V Progression (C–Am–F–G)

This retro-sounding progression has been a staple since the doo-wop days. It’s emotionally loaded and super singable.

In C major:

C (I)–Am (vi)–F (IV)–G (V)

It brings both joy and longing in a balanced way. And yes—it’s still used in modern music because it’s that good.

Bonus Progression: I–bVII–IV (C–Bb–F)

This one’s used in rock and alt-country tunes. It breaks away from traditional diatonic chords by using a bvII chord. It’s perfect for classic rock fans and instantly adds edge to any song.

In C major, it’s:

C (I) – Bb (bVII) – F (IV)

Add secondary dominants or experiment with the iv chord in a major key for a powerful mood shift.

Tips for Writing Your Next Hit

• Understand Roman Numerals: Knowing the I, IV, V, vi, etc., helps you translate progressions into different keys.
• Play in Multiple Keys: Try the same progression in G major, D major, or even Bb major for fresh vibes.
• Explore Melody: Let your melody played guide your chords—or vice versa. Don’t be afraid to create from just one note.
• Use Chord Substitutions: Swap the IV chord for a ii chord or try a secondary dominant to spice things up.
• Borrow from the Minor: Pull the minor from the relative minor key to add emotion.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be an expert to write a great song. But knowing a few chord progressions every songwriter should use gives you a huge head start. With these in your pocket, you can write confidently, experiment with chord substitutions, and explore all kinds of rhythmic patterns and melodic ideas.

And if you’re new to all this, start simple. Look up guitar chords for beginners, play through the C G Am F pattern, and let your creativity lead the way. Your next hit is just a few chords away.