Chord progressions are the heart of most songs. Whether you’re playing a catchy pop tune, a jazzy ballad, or a mellow folk melody, the sequence of chords you choose lays the foundation for your music. This week, we’re diving into the world of ukulele chord progressions: what they are, how they work, and how to create, recognize, and practice them for more confident playing and songwriting.

What Are Chord Progressions?

A chord progression is a sequence of chords played in a specific order. These sequences define the harmony of a song and give it emotional direction. The most famous example is the I–V–vi–IV progression (C–G–Am–F in the key of C), used in countless hits. Understanding how progressions work helps you play by ear, transpose songs, and even write your own.

The Number System: I, IV, V and Friends

Chord progressions are often represented using Roman numerals, which refer to the scale degrees of a given key. This system is incredibly useful because it allows you to understand and describe progressions independently of specific chord names—meaning you can easily transpose them into any key.

Let’s break it down using the key of C major as an example. The C major scale contains the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. Based on each of these scale degrees, you can build a chord. When we apply Roman numerals to these, we get:

• I – C major (the tonic, or “home” chord)
• ii – D minor (a minor chord built on the 2nd scale degree)
• iii – E minor
• IV – F major
• V – G major (dominant, creates tension)
• vi – A minor (relative minor of C major)
• vii° – B diminished (least stable chord, leads strongly back to I)

The capital numerals (I, IV, V) represent major chords, while lowercase (ii, iii, vi) are minor chords, and the diminished symbol (°) marks the diminished chord. This structure is consistent in any major key. Once you internalize this system, you can read or hear a progression like I–V–vi–IV and immediately recognize its emotional arc—and recreate it in any key.

Example: A I–IV–V progression in the key of C is C–F–G. Move this to the key of G and it becomes G–C–D. This ability to transpose at will is a powerful tool for both performers and songwriters.

Common Ukulele Chord Progressions to Practice

1. I–IV–V

This is one of the most universal progressions and appears in everything from blues to rock and folk. It has a bright, resolved feel that’s great for upbeat songs.

In C: C – F – G

Well-known examples:

• “La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens
• “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles
• “Louie Louie” by The Kingsmen

Exercise: Strum each chord for one measure (4 beats), loop the progression, and try varying your strumming pattern with each round.

2. I–V–vi–IV

Often called the “Axis of Awesome” progression, this one is ubiquitous in pop music. It creates a sense of longing and resolution that’s instantly recognizable.

In C: C – G – Am – F

Well-known examples:

• “Let It Be” by The Beatles
• “With or Without You” by U2
• “No One” by Alicia Keys

Exercise: Sing or hum a melody over this loop and try to recognize how familiar it feels. It’s a great progression to improvise vocals or fingerpicking over.

3. ii–V–I

Found heavily in jazz and soul, this progression creates a strong resolution and a smooth, flowing feel. It’s great for practicing voice leading and jazz standards.

In C: Dm – G – C

Well-known examples:

• “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra
• “Blue Bossa” by Kenny Dorham
• “There Will Never Be Another You” by Harry Warren

Exercise: Practice it slowly with fingerpicking. Try using a gentle arpeggio pattern and focus on the smooth voice leading between chords.

4. vi–IV–I–V

A twist on the I–V–vi–IV, this one is a staple in emotional ballads and modern rock. It feels both reflective and uplifting.

In C: Am – F – C – G

Well-known examples:

• “Apologize” by OneRepublic
• “If I Were a Boy” by Beyoncé
• “Demons” by Imagine Dragons

Exercise: Record yourself playing this loop and try layering a second ukulele part over it using a different rhythm or picking pattern.

Understanding Tension and Resolution

Chord progressions aren’t just mechanical sequences—they tell a story. Tension and resolution are the emotional dynamics that drive that story. Tension is created when a chord introduces instability or a sense of movement, while resolution satisfies that tension by returning to a more stable chord—usually the tonic (I).

For example, the V chord (dominant) naturally leads your ear back to I. This is known as a perfect cadence and is one of the strongest resolutions in music. The ii–V–I progression is built entirely around tension and resolution: Dm builds mild tension, G increases that tension, and C resolves it fully.

Try this: Play C (I), then G (V), then return to C. Notice how the G chord feels like it wants to “go somewhere,” and how the return to C feels final and grounded. This movement is the essence of musical storytelling.

Tips for Practicing Chord Progressions

• Loop Progressions: Repetition is key. Set a timer for 5–10 minutes and loop a single progression, focusing on transitions and timing. Try playing along with a metronome or a backing track to stay locked in rhythmically.
• Change Keys: Transposing a progression to another key trains your brain and fingers. If you learn a I–IV–V in C (C–F–G), try the same in G (G–C–D) or D (D–G–A). This strengthens your fretboard knowledge and prepares you for real-world playing where songs aren’t always in the same key.
• Strumming Variations: Use the same progression but change your strumming pattern. Go from a slow ballad strum to a reggae chop or a fast-paced rock pattern. This helps you understand how rhythm shapes the feel of a song even when the chords don’t change.
• Add Fingerpicking: Once you’re comfortable with strumming, switch to a fingerpicking pattern like PIMA (thumb, index, middle, ring). Use this to highlight melody notes or create a more intimate, textured sound.
• Write Your Own Song: Creativity comes from practice. Choose one of the common progressions, loop it, and hum a melody or write some lyrics. Start simple—even a 2-chord song can be powerful if it feels authentic.

Conclusion

Understanding and mastering chord progressions is one of the most important steps in your ukulele journey. Not only will it help you play more songs, but it will also sharpen your ear, boost your improvisation skills, and empower you to write your own music. Start with the progressions above, play them often, and explore how they make you feel—because that’s the heart of making music.