Three Chord Thursday: Common Chord Progressions

You can’t copyright song titles, rhythm, or chord progressions. Many songs use the same chord progressions (chords in the same order). If you’re performing, be prepared to name two other songs that follow the same chord progression that you’re doing. To celebrate these patterns, wear something with a pattern on it. Join us on 13th May 2021 for this Three Chord Thursday theme at 3 pm EDT.

We always start promptly at 3 pm with a warm-up, followed by our sunglasses ritual, line-up, and up to ten songs performed by volunteers who request to perform beforehand. We record and edit our song sessions to review, learn, remember, and share with the community. If you don’t have the Zoom info, be sure to register in advance and to get on the mailing list. Join our new public Facebook Group to get the latest and greatest.

Some Songs the Follow Common Chord Progressions

Here are examples of songs that follow common chord progressions, represented by roman numerals. Capitalized roman numeral means major chord. In the key of A major, for instance, the I refers to A major chord. ii refers to B minor chord. iii refers to C# minor. In the key of C major, for instance, I refers to C. IV refers to F. V refers to G. vi refers to A minor.

• Brown Eyed Girl I-IV-I-V
• California Dreamin’ vi – V – IV – III
• I’m Yours Jason Mraz I – V – vi – IV
• Let It Be Beatles (piano) I-V-vi-IV
• Music of the Night Andrew Lloyd Webber (piano) I-V-IV-V
• Paparazzi by Lady Gaga I-V-vi-IV
• Say by John Mayer I-IV-vi-V
• She’s Always a Woman Billy Joel V-I-I-IV-IV-VII
• Skyscraper Demi Lovato I – IV – vi – V
• Stand By Me I – vi – IV – V
• Style Taylor Swift I -V – IV – V
• Sweet Home Alabama V – IV – I
• Take Me Home, Country Roads verse: I-vi-V-IV chorus: I-V-vi-IV
• Titanium David Guetta ft Sia vi – V – IV – V
• Under Pressure by Queen I-V-IV-V

The Line-Up

1. Growing Up in the Country in C (12-bar blues) [3] – lead and tag opportunity
2. Stand By Me in C – Bruce (MI), Maureen (MA) [4]
3. Hit the Road Jack in Dm – Paul (HI), Geni (NJ) [4]
4. Teenager in Love in C – Sue (CT) [4]
5. Like a Rolling Stone – Steve (CA) [5]
6. Me and Julio Down by the School Yard – Tony (UK) (1-page PDF) [5]
7. Take Me Home, Country Roads in A – Mike (NJ) [6]
8. California Dreaming in Am – Bruce (IT) [6]
9. Puff the Magic Dragon in C – Anne (MA), Adrienne (TX) (3-page PDF) (7-page PDF) [7]
10. Georgy Girl in C – Andi (PA) (1 page PDF) [11]

DON’T FORGET YOUR SUNGLASSES!
WEAR SOMETHING WITH A PATTERN ON IT!

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