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PRINCIPIANTE

I-vi-IV-V (50s Progression)

Stand By Me, Blue Moon, Unchained Melody. The sound of the 50s is right here

I-vi-IV-V is the Doo-wop and early Rock & Roll progression. Nostalgic, innocent and very singable. The vi adds that longing touch that defines songs of the 50s and 60s.

IviIVV
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Complete guide

Level: Elementary Styles: Pop

🎵 The "Stand By Me" Cycle

This progression defined an entire decade of music. It is known as the "50s Progression" or the "Doo-Wop Progression".

It has a perfect emotional arc:

  1. I: Stability.
  2. vi: Nostalgia (the relative minor chord).
  3. IV: Hope (lifts the mood).
  4. V: Tension (asks to start again).

🎹 In C Major

  1. C (I)
  2. Am (vi)
  3. F (IV)
  4. G (V)

🎹 In G Major

  1. G (I)
  2. Em (vi)
  3. C (IV)
  4. D (V)

💡 Arpeggios

This progression sounds incredibly good with triplet arpeggios (1-2-3, 1-2-3) in the right hand, echoing 50s ballads like Unchained Melody.