Super Simple Chords

Chord progression

The IV–I–vi–IV chord progression

F – C – Am – F in C. 39 songs in the library go round it. Hear it in any style and key, and see it in all twelve keys.

Tuning the piano…
Style
Key

Want to mix it with other hands?

The loop

4 chords, round and round, in C. Each chord on the keys:

FIVCIAmviFIV

In every key

Find your song's key on the left: its chords are the row. Each column keeps its colour, whatever the key.

KeyIVIviIV
CFCAmF
DbGbDbBbmGb
DGDBmG
EbAbEbCmAb
EAEC#mA
FBbFDmBb
F#BF#D#mB
GCGEmC
AbDbAbFmDb
ADAF#mD
BbEbBbGmEb
BEBG#mE

Songs that go round it

39 songs, best known first. Rest the mouse on one to hear it.

All of them

Left hands these songs use

The patterns most often played under this loop.

Questions about IV–I–vi–IV

What is the IV–I–vi–IV chord progression?

A loop of 4 chords: F – C – Am – F in C. The numerals say each chord's place in the key, so the same loop can be played in any key.

What songs use the IV–I–vi–IV progression?

39 songs in the library repeat it, including I’ll Be There, Charlie Brown, Here For You, Untitled (Love Song) and Mandy.

How do I play IV–I–vi–IV on piano?

Hold each chord with the right hand while the left hand plays its root, then swap in a pattern: walking roots is the left hand these songs use most. The player above plays it in any style and key.