’50s progression (doo-wop) (I – vi – IV – V)

The doo-wop and ballad progression of the 1950s. The V at the end pulls back to I, so it loops naturally.

In C major

Open in the generator (rhythm, transpose, MIDI) →

In all 12 keys

Mode: major. The capo column shows the fret where most chords become easy open shapes.

Key	Chords	Capo
C major	C – Am – F – G	5.
D♭ major	D♭ – B♭m – G♭ – A♭	6.
D major	D – Bm – G – A	7.
E♭ major	E♭ – Cm – A♭ – B♭	1.
E major	E – C♯m – A – B	2.
F major	F – Dm – B♭ – C	3.
F♯ major	F♯ – D♯m – B – C♯	4.
G major	G – Em – C – D	–
A♭ major	A♭ – Fm – D♭ – E♭	1.
A major	A – F♯m – D – E	2.
B♭ major	B♭ – Gm – E♭ – F	3.
B major	B – G♯m – E – F♯	4.

Similar progressions

Frequently asked questions

What are the chords of the ’50s progression (doo-wop) in C major?

C – Am – F – G (I – vi – IV – V).

Which key is easiest on guitar?

With only open chords and no capo: G major. For other keys, the capo column in the table shows where to clamp it.

What do the Roman numerals mean?

The degrees of the key: I = tonic (1st degree), IV = 4th, V = 5th. Upper case is a major chord, lower case minor; ° means diminished, ø half-diminished and ♭ a lowered degree. That's what lets you move the progression to any key.

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