B 50s Doo-Wop

I – vi – IV – V progression in B major

B major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
IB
viG#m
IVE
VF#

Triad Diagrams — B 50s Doo-Wop (Guitar)

B 50s Doo-WopI – vi – IV – V

The B I–vi–IV–V progression (B – G#m – E – F#) is the classic doo-wop sequence from the 1950s. It evokes nostalgia and romantic innocence. With seventh chords (BMaj7 – G#m7 – EMaj7 – F#7), it takes on a jazzier, more refined character.

Pop / RockNostalgia4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): B, G#m, E, F#.

Chords (7th): BMaj7, G#m7, EMaj7, F#7.

Famous songs using this progression

  • Stand By Me – Ben E. King
  • Earth Angel – The Penguins
  • Every Breath You Take – The Police
  • Stay – Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs
  • Blue Moon – Rodgers & Hart