Improv with “I iii iv V” Progression
Introduction
In this improvisation lesson, we'll turn our sights on the I–iii–IV–V chord progression in C major.
The Chord Progression
It’s always a good idea to make sure you can play along with the chords before you start improvising along with a track.
| I | IIImin | IV | V |
| C | Emin | F | G |
How to Play the Chords
Materials to Use
This track is suited to pentatonic riffs as well as the C major scale generally.
C Major
C Pentatonic Major
Backing Track
Now let’s put it all together and play along with the track.
Exercises
- Play the chords C, Emin, F, G along with the track.
- If you know any other versions of these chords, try those instead.
- Play the C major scale along with the track, in time.
- Play the C major pentatonic scale along with the track, in time.
- Develop 2-3 short melodies using the scales. Each melody should consist of 5-10 notes. Play the melodies with the track.
As the creator of Hub Guitar, Grey has compiled hundreds of guitar lessons, written several books, and filmed hundreds of video lessons. He teaches private lessons in his Boston studio, as well as via video chat through TakeLessons.