Common Country Chord Progressions

Country music can have many chords and forms, but by far, the most common is a I IV V chord progression, known affectionately as “three chords and the truth.”  Remember - chord progressions aren’t key specific and they speak of the chord’s function. 

In addition to a I IV V, the two most other most common country progressions are: 

I   VImi    IImi      V

I    Vimi     IV       V

These two utilize minor chords and are staples of many class country ballads.  Here are a few examples of these progressions written out on a chord chart.   These are examples, and I encourage you to come up with your own!

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