Learn › The 1-6-4-5 Chord Progression (I-vi-IV-V)
New Released in April 2026
The 1-6-4-5 Chord Progression (I-vi-IV-V)
The 1-6-4-5 chord progression (I-vi-IV-V) in C is C – Am – F – G. The classic 1950s doo-wop loop. Below it is written out in all 12 keys, for piano and guitar.
No account, no download. The demo has limited content. Advanced features are in ChordRunner Premium.
- MIDI keyboard
- Digital or acoustic piano
- Guitar
- Computer, phone or tablet
1-6-4-5 in every key
| Key | Chords |
|---|---|
| C major | C – Am – F – G |
| D flat major | Db – Bbm – Gb – Ab |
| D major | D – Bm – G – A |
| E flat major | Eb – Cm – Ab – Bb |
| E major | E – C#m – A – B |
| F major | F – Dm – Bb – C |
| F sharp major | F# – D#m – B – C# |
| G major | G – Em – C – D |
| A flat major | Ab – Fm – Db – Eb |
| A major | A – F#m – D – E |
| B flat major | Bb – Gm – Eb – F |
| B major | B – G#m – E – F# |
1-6-4-5 in C major on the piano
Pick the nearest shape of each chord: most fingers stay where they are.
How to practise the 1-6-4-5 progression
- Start in C: four beats per chord, name each one out loud.
- Move it to G and F, then to keys with more black keys.
- Loop it until you stop looking at your hands, then speed up.
Make 1-6-4-5 automatic
In ChordRunner you can loop C – Am – F – G, or the same progression in any key, until it is automatic (advanced feature in ChordRunner Premium). MIDI keyboard or microphone.
Play the demoCommon questions
What is the 1-6-4-5 chord progression?
It is the chords built on degrees I-vi-IV-V of a key. In C: C – Am – F – G; in G: G – Em – C – D.
How do I play 1-6-4-5 on piano and guitar?
Find the key, take its chords I-vi-IV-V, and use the nearest shape of each chord. On guitar, C – Am – F – G uses easy shapes in C.
Can I loop the 1-6-4-5 progression while I practise?
Yes. In ChordRunner you type a progression and it loops while you play on a USB MIDI keyboard, or a piano or guitar through the microphone (advanced feature in ChordRunner Premium).
Which key is easiest for 1-6-4-5?
On the piano, C major: its chords use 0 black keys in total. The hardest is F sharp major, with 10. Start easy, then move to the others.
Your instrument is the controller.
ChordRunner is a browser game that teaches piano and guitar chords: a chord appears on screen, you play it on a real instrument, and your runner jumps. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.
Try the demoKeep learning
Chord Progressions in C Major
C major chord progressions: C – G – Am – F and five more, chords written out for piano and guitar, plus how to…
How to Practice Chord Changes and Switch Faster
How to practice chord changes: two chords, slow and clean, the one-minute test, then a third. Anchor fingers o…
Chord Practice: A 10-Minute Routine You Can Play
Chord practice that sticks: a 10-minute daily routine, levels from beginner to pro, and a game that hears your…
Chord Training That Feels Like a Game
Interactive chord training in your browser. Play major, minor, 7th and extended chords on a MIDI keyboard or a…
Master All 12 Major Chords on Piano
Every major chord on piano with notes and fingering, plus an interactive game that drills all 12 until they ar…
Master All 12 Minor Chords on Piano
All 12 minor chords on piano, how they differ from major, and a game that trains instant recall with your MIDI…