Chords in Each Major Key

Knowing the chords in each major key is essential for guitar players who want to play songs confidently, jam with others, or understand chord progressions by ear. This guide breaks down the chords found in every major key using the chord numbering system commonly used in country, bluegrass, and modern guitar playing. Once you understand how these chords fit together, learning new songs, transposing to different keys, and creating your own chord progressions becomes much easier.

The chart below uses the chord numbering system to show the relationship between guitar chords in all major keys. Find a key in the left column, and the chords that belong to that key are shown in the corresponding row. For example, locate the key of G to see all the chords that naturally fit together and sound good when used in common chord progressions.

Key	I	ii	iii	IV	V	vi	vii°
Ab	Ab	Bbm	Cm	Db	Eb	Fm	Gdim
A	A	Bm	C#m	D	E	F#m	G#dim
Bb	Bb	Cm	Dm	Eb	F	Gm	Adim
B	B	C#m	D#m	E	F#	G#m	A#dim
C	C	Dm	Em	F	G	Am	Bdim
C#	C#	D#m	E#m	F#	G#	A#m	B#dim
Db	Db	Ebm	Fm	Gb	Ab	Bbm	Cdim
D	D	Em	F#m	G	A	Bm	C#dim
Eb	Eb	Fm	Gm	Ab	Bb	Cm	Ddim
E	E	F#m	G#m	A	B	C#m	D#dim
F	F	Gm	Am	Bb	C	Dm	Edim
F#	F#	G#m	A#m	B	C#	D#m	E#dim
Gb	Gb	Abm	Bbm	Cb	Db	Ebm	Fdim
G	G	Am	Bm	C	D	Em	F#dim

Common Progressions You’ll Hear in Country & Bluegrass

In country and bluegrass guitar, certain progressions show up again and again. The classic I-IV-V progression gives a strong, driving feel perfect for up-tempo tunes. Meanwhile, progressions like I-vi-IV-V bring a more emotional quality found in ballads. Once you know the chords in a key, you can mix and match within these progressions to create your own riffs and rhythm parts.

1. I – IV – V

The most important progression to know

This progression is the backbone of countless country and bluegrass songs. It has a strong, natural sound that works for fast fiddle tunes, classic country shuffles, and simple jam songs.
Example in G: G – C – D

Once you recognize the I-IV-V pattern, you can play along with many songs without knowing them in advance.

2. I – V – IV

A small twist on the classic

This progression rearranges the I-IV-V pattern and creates a slightly different movement while still sounding familiar. It’s extremely common in traditional country and bluegrass rhythm guitar.
Example in G: G – D – C

This is especially useful for verse sections where you want a bit more forward motion.

3. I – vi – IV – V

The emotional classic

Often called the “50s progression,” this chord sequence adds the vi minor chord for a more emotional or reflective sound. It’s frequently used in slower country songs and ballads.
Example in G: G – Em – C – D

This progression works great for storytelling-style lyrics and smooth chord changes.

4. I – IV – I – V

Simple, strong, and traditional

This progression keeps returning to the I chord, which makes it feel stable and grounded. You’ll hear it in many traditional bluegrass songs and older country tunes.
Example in G: G – C – G – D

It’s also a great progression for beginners because it reinforces the sound of the key.

5. ii – V – I

The classic turnaround

This progression is often used as a turnaround at the end of verses or choruses. While more subtle than the others, it’s very common in country, western swing, and bluegrass-influenced music.
Example in G: Am – D – G

Learning this progression helps you recognize how songs naturally resolve back to the I chord.

Tip: Once you know the chords in each major key, these progressions can be played in any key simply by changing the chord names while keeping the same number pattern.