I-V-IV (Three Chord Pop)
Sweet Home Alabama, Born This Way, All The Small Things. 3 chords. 0 minor.
I-V-IV is the purest rock: just 3 major chords, no minor chord (vi). Direct sound, no complications. Typical of stadium rock and the energetic pop of the 80s-2000s.
IVIVIV
Complete guide
Level: Beginner Styles: Pop
🎵 Less Is More
Sometimes you do not need minor chords or complex tensions. This progression uses only the 3 Major (Primary) Chords of the key: I, IV, and V.
It is the sound of pure energy, uncomplicated happiness, and stadium anthems.
🎹 In C Major
- C (I)
- G (V)
- F (IV)
- F (IV) - Repeat to make 4 bars!
💡 Mixolydian Twist
If instead of a major V (G) you use a chord with a minor seventh or lower the tone, you can get a more rock/mixolydian sound. But in its basic major form, it is pure sunshine.