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

C – G – Am – F

IC · C E G

VG · G B D

viAm · A C E

IVF · F A C

C – G – Am – F: the four chords under a great many pop songs — the verse of “Let It Be” is this progression in C. In C 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.

C I · root position

1 · 3 · 5 over C in the bass

G V · first inversion

3 · 5 · 1 over G in the bass

Am vi · first inversion

♭3 · 5 · 1 over A in the bass

F IV · second inversion

5 · 1 · 3 over F 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 C

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

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