The pop axis: I–V–vi–IV
The four chords behind a huge share of modern pop. You can play it in two minutes, and you’ve heard it a thousand times.
Loads it as a song you can change, extend and write lyrics to. Your own song is kept.
Songs you know
Where you’ve heard it
Real recordings that use it, with the chords as they’re played on the record and the easiest way to play along.
Someone Like You
Adele · 2011Whole songAs recorded, in A majorA – E – F♯m – DOpen chords, no capo neededShapes you play Loads Spotify’s player, which may set cookies.Play these chords in the Chord Map →With or Without You
U2 · 1987Whole songAs recorded, in D majorD – A – Bm – GOpen chords, no capo neededShapes you play Loads Spotify’s player, which may set cookies.Play these chords in the Chord Map →I'm Yours
Jason Mraz · 2008Whole songAs recorded, in B majorB – F♯ – G♯m – EEasier: capo 4, play G major shapesShapes you play Loads Spotify’s player, which may set cookies.Play these chords in the Chord Map →Paparazzi
Lady Gaga · 2009Whole songAs recorded, in G majorG – D – Em – COpen chords, no capo neededShapes you play Loads Spotify’s player, which may set cookies.Play these chords in the Chord Map →Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)
Shakira · 2010Whole songAs recorded, in D majorD – A – Bm – GOpen chords, no capo neededShapes you play Loads Spotify’s player, which may set cookies.Play these chords in the Chord Map →Beast of Burden
The Rolling Stones · 1978Whole songAs recorded, in E majorE – B – C♯m – AOpen chords, no capo neededShapes you play Loads Spotify’s player, which may set cookies.Play these chords in the Chord Map →Wrecking Ball
Miley Cyrus · 2013ChorusAs recorded, in F majorF – C – Dm – B♭Open chords, no capo neededShapes you play Loads Spotify’s player, which may set cookies.Play these chords in the Chord Map →
Why it works
Why it feels like this
It starts at home (I), lifts to the V, sinks into the relative minor (vi) and opens up on the IV, which then falls straight back home. Every chord shares notes with the next, so the loop never stops feeling good. Start it on the vi instead and the same chords sound like longing: that’s the sensitive female progression.
- C → GLift offIn the key
The bass jumps to the dominant. Tension starts to build and wants to come back.
- G → AmDeceptive turnIn the key
Your ear expects home, but the bass steps up to the relative minor instead. A bittersweet surprise.
- Am → FHopeful riseIn the key
The bass falls a third and two notes stay put. Minor opens up into warmth.
- F → CSoft returnHome
The “amen” move. There’s no leading tone, so C arrives gently instead of snapping shut.
Make it yours
Same idea, your song
The fastest way not to sound like everyone else: change one thing. Each idea opens in the Chord Map, ready to play.
Start on another chord
Same four chords, new first chord. The mood shifts from bright to longing (or back).
Try it →Am – F – C – Gvi–IV–I–VBorrow the minor iv
Make the IV minor. A bittersweet, cinematic sigh before you go home.
Try it →C – G – Am – FmI–V–vi–ivAdd sevenths
Softer and jazzier: every chord gets one more note.
Try it →Cmaj7 – G – Am7 – Fmaj7Imaj7–V–vi7–IVmaj7Make it the chorus
A verse that stays closer to home, then this as the lift. Two sections, ready to write on.
Try it →Am – F – C – Gvi–IV–I–VC – G – Am – FI–V–vi–IV
On the guitar
In five guitar keys
The keys a guitar likes best. Pick the one that suits your voice, or put on a capo.
In C major
Open in the Chord Map →In G major
Open in the Chord Map →In D major
Open in the Chord Map →In A major
Open in the Chord Map →In E major
Open in the Chord Map →
Questions
Questions about The pop axis
Quick answers about temperaments, instruments, accuracy, and what actually runs on your Mac.
Why do so many songs use I–V–vi–IV?
It balances bright and dark (three major chords, one minor), every change is smooth, and it loops forever without sounding finished. Melodies fit over it easily, which is why songwriters keep coming back to it.What are the I–V–vi–IV chords in G?
G–D–Em–C. In C it’s C–G–Am–F, in D it’s D–A–Bm–G. The Chord Map plays it in any key.How do I make it sound less generic?
Change one thing: start on the vi, make the IV minor, add sevenths, or change the rhythm. The ideas under “Make it yours” each open ready to play.
Keep exploring