I – VII – IV

Ah yes, the I – VII – IV progression.  So simple and so widely used in rock and popular music.  The VII chord, because it contains the lowered 7th degree of the scale, provides a unique sound which brings the chords out of the standard diatonic sound.

Song Artist
Sweet Home Alabama Lynyrd Skynyrd
Back in Black AC DC

I – V – vi – IV

The I – V – vi – IV chord progression can be found in many old school and current pop songs.  The fact that it ends on the IV chord creates a soft transition back to the beginning of the progression.

Song Artist
Soul to Squeeze Red Hot Chili Peppers
Under the Bridge Red Hot Chili Peppers
I’m Yours Jason Mraz

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