Intro – The 4-Chord Secret
Want to learn hundreds of songs by ear? You don’t need to memorize endless chord charts — just four progressions. They appear in pop, rock, country, worship, R&B… Once you can hear them, you can play them.
Why This Matters
Most popular music reuses the same patterns. Recognizing them saves time and helps you learn songs in minutes instead of hours.
The Big Four Progressions
1. I–V–vi–IV (The Pop Powerhouse)
C → G → Am → F
“Let It Be” (The Beatles), “With or Without You” (U2)
2. vi–IV–I–V (The Reverse Pop)
Am → F → C → G
“Someone Like You” (Adele), “Demons” (Imagine Dragons)
3. I–vi–IV–V (’50s Doo-Wop)
C → Am → F → G
“Stand By Me” (Ben E. King)
4. I–IV–V (Rock & Roll Workhorse)
C → F → G
“La Bamba” (Ritchie Valens), “Twist and Shout” (The Beatles)
How to Recognize Them by Ear
1. Listen for the bass movement — step patterns can reveal the progression.
2. Notice emotional shifts between major and minor chords.
3. Hum the roots to help identify each chord.
4. Keep melody on top when you play to make it recognizable.
Pro Tips
Practice these in all 12 keys.
Sing the bass line while you play to lock it in.
Guess the progression before playing — then confirm at the piano.
Practice Challenge
Pick a random playlist. Try to identify which of the four progressions each song uses before playing along.
Call to Action
These four progressions are just the beginning. My Piano by Ear course will teach you how to find all of them.
