Chord Progressions in D Major

6 chord progressions in D major

I-vi-IV-V: D – Bm – G – A

The classic 1950s doo-wop loop. (D = D F# A · Bm = B D F# · G = G B D · A = A C# E)

ii-V-I: Em7 – A7 – Dmaj7

The most common cadence in jazz, here with seventh chords. (Em7 = E G B D · A7 = A C# E G · Dmaj7 = D F# A C#)

vi-IV-I-V: Bm – G – D – A

Same four chords as the pop loop, starting on the minor one for a darker feel. (Bm = B D F# · G = G B D · D = D F# A · A = A C# E)

I-IV-vi-V: D – G – Bm – A

A bright loop that keeps moving forward. (D = D F# A · G = G B D · Bm = B D F# · A = A C# E)

I-V-vi-IV: D – A – Bm – G

The loop behind countless pop choruses. (D = D F# A · A = A C# E · Bm = B D F# · G = G B D)

I-IV-V-I: D – G – A – D

The first progression most players learn: home, away, back home. (D = D F# A · G = G B D · A = A C# E · D = D F# A)

How to practise a progression

1. Count four beats per chord and name it out loud.
2. Loop the progression until you no longer look at your hands.
3. Go faster only once each change sounds clean.