A Rock & Folk Classic

I – IV – V progression in A major

A major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
IA
IVD
VE

Triad Diagrams — A Rock & Folk Classic (Guitar)

A Rock & Folk ClassicI – IV – V

The A I–IV–V progression (A – D – E) is the three-chord foundation of rock, country, and folk music. These three major chords provide maximum energy with minimum complexity. Adding sevenths (AMaj7 – DMaj7 – E7) gives it a bluesy edge.

Pop / RockEnergy & Drive4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): A, D, E.

Chords (7th): AMaj7, DMaj7, E7.

Famous songs using this progression

  • Twist and Shout – The Beatles
  • La Bamba – Ritchie Valens
  • Wild Thing – The Troggs