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

G – D – Em – C

IG · G B D

VD · D F♯ A

viEm · E G B

IVC · C E G

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

G I · root position

1 · 3 · 5 over G in the bass

D V · first inversion

3 · 5 · 1 over D in the bass

Em vi · first inversion

♭3 · 5 · 1 over E in the bass

C IV · second inversion

5 · 1 · 3 over C 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 G

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

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