The most powerful concept in learning to play songs by ear is the “1 4 5 progression”, or the “3 chord song”.
This can also include “1 4 5 6” (or “I IV V vi“) progressions and 4-chord songs.
In short:
So many songs sound the same because they use the same underlying sequence of chords.
Different keys, different arrangements, different styles – but the same progression!
Learn about this progression and playing songs by ear becomes much easier!
If you want to learn more about three chord songs we have an all-in-one specialist guide: “3-Chord Songs and the 4-Chord Trick”.
Similar questions answered on this page:
- Why do rock songs use 4 chords?
- Why do so many rock songs use the same four chords?
- What are the four magic chords?
- What are the most important chords?
- What are the most popular chord progressions?
- What’s the most common chord progression in pop music?
- How can I play pop songs by ear?
- How do you play songs by ear?
