Play Chord Progressions Like a Musician

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90 minutes

5 steps

·Beginner

After 90 min: You can play the I-IV-V-I progression smoothly and use it to accompany simple melodies.

What you need

Piano or keyboardChord chart

The 90-Minute Plan

Build the three core chords0–15 min

Learn C major (C-E-G), F major (F-A-C), and G major (G-B-D) using root position. Play each chord with all three fingers together. Hold each chord for 4 beats, listening to the sound.

Practice smooth transitions15–35 min

Play: C major (4 beats), F major (4 beats), G major (4 beats), C major (4 beats). Move smoothly between chords without stopping the rhythm. Repeat this 12-bar pattern 8 times slowly.

Add rhythmic strumming pattern35–55 min

Instead of just holding chords, play a quarter-note rhythm on each chord: down-down-down-down for 4 beats per chord. Keep the left hand's steady pulse while right hand plays the rhythm.

Sync melody with chords55–75 min

While playing the C-F-G-C progression in left hand, add a simple melody in right hand (like notes from each chord). Practice staying in sync—the left hand is the heartbeat.

Perform and vary75–90 min

Play the progression 3 times at tempo. On the 4th repetition, hold C for 8 beats instead of 4 to resolve. Play it again with slightly different rhythm. You've got the foundation of countless songs.

Pro Tip

90% of pop and folk songs use some variation of this progression—master it and you unlock decades of music.