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One Drop

C · F · C · G

C
I
F
IV
C
I
G
V
Key
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One Drop in C major

One Drop is I · IV · I · V. In C major that is C, F, G. Roots reggae feel with emphasis on the off-beat. Loop those chords in order. The same pattern works in any major key.

Songs that use this

  • Red Red Wine · UB40
  • Rivers of Babylon · Boney M.
  • Stir It Up · Bob Marley & The Wailers

Why it works

In C major this loop is C, F, G (I · IV · I · V). 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 C major

Jump to each shape used in this loop.

CFG

Try in other keys

Same Roman numerals; chords transpose with the key.

C major → C · F · C · GD major → D · G · D · AE major → E · A · E · BF major → F · Bb · F · CG major → G · C · G · DA major → A · D · A · EB major → B · E · B · F#

Related progressions

Hawaiian VampSlack KeyHulaIsland BreezeIsland Strum

Frequently asked questions

What is the One Drop ukulele chord progression?

One Drop is the I–IV–I–V chord loop. In C major that is C, F, and G. Roots reggae feel with emphasis on the off-beat.

What do the roman numerals mean in One Drop?

Roman numerals mark each chord's role in the key, not fixed chord names. Uppercase is major, lowercase is minor. One Drop uses I–IV–I–V. Change the key and the roles stay; the chord names move with it. In C major you play C, F, G.

How do you practice One Drop on ukulele?

Loop C, F, and G. 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 One Drop progression?

Songs built on One Drop include Red Red Wine, Rivers of Babylon, and Stir It Up.

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