Songs Using a Common 1 5 6 4 Chord Progression

The “Four Chord, Pop Progression”

Published: 05 Apr 2013 Updated: 19 Feb 2022Visits: 13Code: UL59-1564

Category: ChordsInstrument: Ukulele Subjects: Chords • Progressions • Pop

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Songs Using a Common 1 5 6 4 Chord Progression


There's actually a lot in common between songs when it comes to chord progressions. Here is an every growing list of songs that use the common 1 5 6 4 chord progression. This is a “Full Diatonic” chord progression with each chord coming from its corresponding major scale.

This common progression is called the “Four Chord, Pop Progression.”

If the I V VI IV progression where in the key of C Major the chords are: C G Am F. For the key of G Major the chords are: G D Em C.

The following songs use this progression as the foundation for the majority of the song.

Songs where part of the song is using the I V VI IV progression.

  • American Pie
  • The Call - Regina Spektor
  • Say - John Mayer, from the movie The Bucket List
  • The Show - Lenka
  • Over the Rainbow

Here's a web site that has links to videos of many of the songs on this list.

As you can see you can learn quite a few songs by simply learning common chord progressions in all 15 keys. Especially the common keys of C, G, D, E, A. And on ukulele F and Bb are also common.

All 15 Keys ( 1 5 6 4 )

  • | C | G/B* | Am | F |

Sharp Keys

The links will take you a lessons the the Key/Key Signature for the key.

  • | G | D/F# | Em | C |
  • | D | A/C# | Bm | G |
  • | A | E/G# | F#m | D |
  • | E | B/D# | C#m | A |
  • | B | F#/A# | G#m | E |
  • | F# | C#/E# | D#m | B |
  • | C# | G#/B# | A#m | F# |

Flat Keys

The links will take you a lessons the the Key/Key Signature for the key.

  • | F | C/E | Dm | Bb |
  • | Bb | F/A# | Gm | Eb |
  • | Eb | Bb/D | Gm | Ab |
  • | Ab | Eb/G | Fm | Db |
  • | Db | Ab/C | Bbm | Gb |
  • | Gb | Db/F | Ebm | Cb |
  • | Cb | Gb/Bb | Abm | Fb |

Slash Chords

* Slash Chords - A slash chord is an indication that a chord voicing with the note after the slash should be voiced with the that note as the lowest note in the bass . In the case of this common 1 5 6 4 progression is creates a descending bass line. On ukulele unless you using a low string four tuning slash chord are commonly ignored and the fundamental chord, the name before the slash is played.

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End of Lesson - Thanks, Hope You Enjoyed It!

Related Lessons, Videos, Lesson Series, Songs, Books & Reference Charts, Resources & Assets, Workshops are below.

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Harmonic Analysis ( HA ) is the process used to determine the harmonic function of chords within a chord progression. A chord progression is defined as a sequence of chords, each chord has a root and has a particular chord type. The relationship of a chord's root to a scale determines its function within that scale's tonality. Once a chord's function is identified, scale selections along with chord and scale substitutions can be made. This process is called Root Movement Analysis ( RMA ). This series of lessons are extracted from my book for use with individual private and on-line students. Each lesson directly corresponds the chapters in my book Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution by Curt Sheller (me).

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Harmonic Analysis - Full Diatonic

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Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song, or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution. This lesson covers the Full Diatonic harmonic principle.

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Mastering the art of playing music by ear represents the pinnacle of achievement for any aspiring musician. The objective of this lesson series is to guide you towards attaining this goal. Whether it entails mastering melodies or chords, rest assured that it is within your reach.

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Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution

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A Selection of Books & Reference Charts that are recommended for creating a solid foundation with your chosen instrument and music in general.

Books

Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard – C Tuning

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Daily Practice Material for the Contemporary Ukulele

An organized collection of daily practice and reference material for the contemporary ukulele player for developing the vocabulary and knowledge necessary for single note playing.

Checkout the Books for ALL available books.

Reference Charts

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G - G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G – G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

Key Signatures — Circle of Fourths and Fifths – ANSI A & A4 sizes

A handy reference chart of all 15 major and relative minor key signatures. US Letter 8.5 x 11 sized (ANSI-A) , A4

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