Pop chord progressions

The progressions behind most radio hits: four chords, endlessly reshuffled.

The pop axis

I V vi IV in C major
CGAmF

Bright and anthemic. The most-used progression of the last 40 years.

Sensitive pop

vi IV I V in C major
AmFCG

The axis started on the minor chord, so it leans wistful.

50s doo-wop

I vi IV V in C major
CAmFG

Sweet and nostalgic. Classic ballad and doo-wop sound.

Uplift

I IV vi V in C major
CFAmG

Hopeful, with a lift on the vi before the turnaround.

Floating pop

IV I V vi in C major
FCGAm

Starts away from home, so it feels like it's drifting upward.

Canon

I V vi iii IV I IV V in C major
CGAmEmFCFG

Stately and emotional. Borrowed from Pachelbel and reused in countless songs.

Other genres

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

Last updated November 14, 2026.