New — the Good Guitarist Academy is open. Start free for 10 days →

Home » The MOST COMMON Chord Progressions on Guitar!

The MOST COMMON Chord Progressions on Guitar!

These are the most common chord progressions on guitar, found in tens of thousands of the most popular guitar songs. Learning all 10 of these common chord progressions will prepare you to strum-along with all your favorite songs.

These videos are part of my free eBook, covering all the basics, helping beginners learn guitar in an organized way that makes sense!

Guitar tips and tricks, guitar chords chart and more
Just Getting Started? Need Help With The Basics? Download My Free eBook for Strumming & Rhythm Guitar Guitar tips and tricks, guitar chords chart and more.
Get Your Free Copy Here!
Essential Chord Progression In The Key of A
chord progression key of a
Practice a common three-chord progression in the key of A! Used to play songs like: Lean On Me – Bill Withers, Three Little Birds – Bob Marley, Hound Dog – Elvis Presley, I Walk The Line – Johnny Cash, Blowin’ In The Wind – Bob Dylan + WAY more!
Essential Chord Progression In The Key of G
Practice a common three-chord progression in the key of G! Used to play songs like: Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life) – Green Day, Don’t Stop Believing – Journey, Soul Sister – Train, I’m Yours – Jason Mraz and much much more!
Essential Chord Progression In The Key of C
chord progression key of c
Practice a common three-chord progression in the key of C! Used to play songs like: No Woman No Cry – Bob Marley, Let It Be – The Beatles, Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers, Save Tonight – Eagle Eye Cherry & more!
Essential Chord Progression In The Key of D
Practice a common three-chord progression in the key of D! Used to play songs like: Mr Tambourine Man – Bob Dylan (also covered by The Byrds), Free Fallin – Tom Petty (also covered by John Mayer), Highway To Hell – AC/DC & more!
Essential Chord Progression In The Key of E
Practice a common three-chord progression in the key of E! Used to play songs like: Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain – Willie Nelson, Sweet Home Chicago – Blues Brothers, Heart Break Hotel – Elvis Presley, Pride And Joy – Stevie Ray Vaughan & more!
Chord Progression That Focuses on F
Usually we start our progressions on the home key. In this case, the key is C, but we start on F. This is a great way to get used to hearing “modes” on guitar.
This Chord Progression Goes Between C and A minor
This progression starts in C, but modulates to A minor via the E chord. The theory sounds pretty complicated, but the shapes themselves are simple.
Swing/Jazz Style Chord Progression in D
This sound is found again and again in jazz music (Ragtime, Swing, Bebop and Dixieland styles) and is indicative of the style.
Essential Chord Progression In The Key of Am
Practice a common four-chord progression in the key of A minor. These 4 chords in the key of Am are found in countless songs in various combinations, so be sure to work it out with this chord switching training video!
Essential Chord Progression In The Key of Em
An awesome combination of chords. I like to play this one with a really slow strumming pattern that emphasizes the backbeat.

Spring Sale - Up to 40% OFF

For a short time, the All-Access Pass is available at special pricing, with every course, song lesson, and play-along in one place.

Learn More

GoodGuitarist Academy

Step-by-step guitar courses that help you stop guessing and start making real progress.

  • Know what to practice
  • Learn songs at your level
  • Get help when you need it
Try Academy Free
Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    More Lessons

    James from Good Guitarist showing a note on the G string of the guitar fretboard
    How to Learn the Guitar Fretboard: Unlock Lead Up the Neck
    September 14, 2026 No Comments
    How to Learn the Guitar Fretboard: Unlock Lead Up the ...
    James from Good Guitarist demonstrating a smooth, continuous guitar strumming motion
    How to Improve Your Guitar Strumming: 3 Fixes That Actually Work
    September 7, 2026 No Comments
    How to Improve Your Guitar Strumming: 3 Fixes That Actually ...
    September Update
    August 31, 2026 No Comments
    September Update An injury — or anything else life throws ...
    Scroll to Top
    FREE SONGBOOK FOR GUITAR LEARNERS
    ebook imageArtboard 1

    Play 15 iconic songs on guitar - starting with just 2 chords

    • Finally get your chord changes smooth - even as a total beginner
    • Learn proper strumming and rhythm from the ground up
    • Play 15 popular songs confidently, starting today
    No Thanks

    Joined by 645,000+ guitarists on YouTube