I–V–vi–IV (the “four chords”) · A major

A – E – F♯m – D

IA · A C♯ E

VE · E G♯ B

viF♯m · F♯ A C♯

IVD · D F♯ A

A – E – F♯m – D: the four chords under a great many pop songs — the verse of “Let It Be” is this progression in C. In A major they are I, V, vi and IV.

Smooth voicings — root in the left hand

The right hand takes whichever inversion is nearest, so it moves by a step or two instead of jumping.

A I · root position

1 · 3 · 5 over A in the bass

E V · first inversion

3 · 5 · 1 over E in the bass

F♯m vi · first inversion

♭3 · 5 · 1 over F♯ in the bass

D IV · second inversion

5 · 1 · 3 over D in the bass

Why it works

Two major chords, a minor, a major: the minor chord in third place is the shadow that makes the return to IV and I feel bright. Played with the smooth voicings above, the right hand moves by a step or two between every chord.

I–V–vi–IV in every key

C major D♭ major D major E♭ major E major F major F♯ major G major A♭ major A major B♭ major B major

More progressions in A

ii–V–I in A major ii–V–i in A minor vi–IV–I–V in A major I–vi–IV–V in A major I–IV–V in A major

Play it. See every name.

The free chord finder names whatever you play — on a MIDI keyboard, with the mouse or on your computer keys — with the same engine as Cadenza.

Open the chord finder All progressions

Or let the app follow you.

Cadenza names every chord you play, live, with the degree over each key — and writes what you played as sheet music. The core is free forever, on Mac and Windows.

Download free See the live view