Skip to main content
Ukulalala

Pop

Major Upbeat

A · D · A · E · A

Watch video
A
I
D
IV
A
I
E
V
A
I
Key
learn more

Major Upbeat in A major

Major Upbeat is I · IV · I · V · I. In A major that is A, D, E. Bouncy and optimistic with repeated tonic anchoring. Loop those chords in order. The same pattern works in any major key.

Songs that use this

  • You Are My Sunshine · Jimmie Davis
  • This Land Is Your Land · Woody Guthrie

Why it works

In A major this loop is A, D, E (I · IV · I · V · I). I is the home chord. V pulls away from home and wants to resolve. IV moves the song forward without leaving the key. Play the chords in order and the pattern is easy to hear on ukulele.

Chords in A major

Jump to each shape used in this loop.

ADE

Try in other keys

Same Roman numerals; chords transpose with the key.

C major → C · F · C · G · CD major → D · G · D · A · DE major → E · A · E · B · EF major → F · Bb · F · C · FG major → G · C · G · D · GA major → A · D · A · E · AB major → B · E · B · F# · B

Related progressions

Major 4Major 4 RotationMajor 4 SubdominantStepwise PopPop Rotation Lift

Frequently asked questions

What is the Major Upbeat ukulele chord progression?

Major Upbeat is the I–IV–I–V–I chord loop. In A major that is A, D, and E. Bouncy and optimistic with repeated tonic anchoring.

What do the roman numerals mean in Major Upbeat?

Roman numerals mark each chord's role in the key, not fixed chord names. Uppercase is major, lowercase is minor. Major Upbeat uses I–IV–I–V–I. Change the key and the roles stay; the chord names move with it. In A major you play A, D, E.

How do you practice Major Upbeat on ukulele?

Loop A, D, and E. Change on the first beat of each bar and keep the strum steady. If one change is hard, practice that pair slowly, then play the full loop again.

What songs use the Major Upbeat progression?

Songs built on Major Upbeat include You Are My Sunshine, and This Land Is Your Land.

Get the Ukulalala app

Keep strumming

Get occasional tips, new tools, and progression inspiration.