tap a chord for its shape
Rock & Punk Chord Progressions
18 progressions · rock, punk and a little math-rock
Rock and punk chord progressions like a strong stride: power-friendly majors, a stomping I–IV–V, or a rebel ♭VII that feels like a chorus shouting back. They do not need many chords, but they do need a clear push. This page has 18 rock progressions to hear on guitar (or piano), with colors and diagrams for each shape. If you want something that strums or riffs easily, start with a tight I–V–IV loop; add a borrowed flat when the chorus should sneer a little.
✨ Quality marks
- glow
- poised
- mellow
- hanging
- taut
- uneasy
- lush
tap a chord for its shape
tap a chord for its shape
tap a chord for its shape
tap a chord for its shape
tap a chord for its shape
tap a chord for its shape
tap a chord for its shape
tap a chord for its shape
tap a chord for its shape
tap a chord for its shape
tap a chord for its shape
tap a chord for its shape
tap a chord for its shape
tap a chord for its shape
tap a chord for its shape
tap a chord for its shape
tap a chord for its shape
Common questions about rock chord progressions
What is a classic rock chord progression?
I–IV–V and I–V–IV are the workhorses, often with a ♭VII for a bigger, more rebellious chorus. “Teen Rebel” (C–G–F–C) is a tight I–V–IV–I you can already shout over. Power-chord the same numerals on guitar if you want more grit.
Do these work with power chords?
Most of them do, especially loops without delicate maj7 colors. Play the card, then grab roots and fifths on the guitar. The roman numerals still tell you where home is.
How do I make a punk-like progression?
Keep it short, mostly major, and a little rude: I, IV, V, and maybe ♭VII, played fast. Several rock cards on this page are already in that family. Use a strum style and consider turning backing on for a band feel.
Can I play these on piano too?
Yes. The harmonic push is the same. Piano will sound less like a garage, more like a piano-rock arrangement, which some of these loops can also use.
🧭 More moods
Lazy Lo-fi30Bright & Happy38Sad & Fragile24Cinematic Story16Airy & Dreamy25Dark & Trippy28Groove & Exotic14