Country chord progressions

Major-key storytelling progressions with a strong pull to the V.

Country two-step

I IV I V in G major
GCGD

Simple, bouncy and easy to sing over.

Classic cadence

I IV V I in G major
GCDG

The most settled-sounding progression there is.

Nashville lift

I ii IV I in G major
GAmCG

Warm and gentle, with a soft minor chord in the middle.

Honky-tonk

I V IV I in G major
GDCG

The V falling to the IV gives a lazy, twangy feel.

Other genres

PopRockBluesJazzCountryFolkSoul and R&BPunk and pop punkMetalLo-fi and chillGospel and worshipMinor-key songwriting

Last updated November 14, 2026.