The I–iii–IV–IV chord progression

Ramones-style lift. A quick climb that keeps the energy up.

Quick answer

I–iii–IV–IV in E major is E G#m A A.

Key

What the I–iii–IV–IV progression sounds like

A quick climb that keeps the energy up. In E major it's E G#m A A.

You'll find it in Punk and pop punk songwriting.

Scales that fit I–iii–IV–IV

Over this progression in E, the best-fitting scales are E Major (Ionian), A Lydian, E Mixolydian. Put your own chords into the scale finder to see more.

I–iii–IV–IV in every key

The I–iii–IV–IV progression in all 12 major keys
Key	Chords
C major	C Em F F
G major	G Bm C C
D major	D F#m G G
A major	A C#m D D
E major	E G#m A A
B major	B D#m E E
F# major	F# A#m B B
Db major	Db Fm Gb Gb
Ab major	Ab Cm Db Db
Eb major	Eb Gm Ab Ab
Bb major	Bb Dm Eb Eb
F major	F Am Bb Bb

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Common questions

What are the chords in the I–iii–IV–IV progression?

In E major the I–iii–IV–IV progression is E G#m A A. The pattern is the same in every key; the table above lists all 12.

What scale goes with I–iii–IV–IV?

In E, the E Major (Ionian) fits best. A Lydian and E Mixolydian add different colors.

Last updated November 14, 2026.