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Blues

Blues Progression

D · G · D · D

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D
I
G
IV
D
I
D
I
Key
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Blues Progression in D major

Blues Progression is I · IV · I · I. In D major that is D, G. Simple two-chord blues vamp over four bars. Loop those chords in order. The same pattern works in any major key.

Songs that use this

  • Got My Mojo Working · Muddy Waters
  • Baby Please Don't Go · Big Joe Williams

Why it works

In D major this loop is D, G (I · IV · I · I). I is the home chord. 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 D major

Jump to each shape used in this loop.

DG

Try in other keys

Same Roman numerals; chords transpose with the key.

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

Related progressions

Blues TurnaroundThe Blues8-bar Blues12-Bar Blues

Frequently asked questions

What is the Blues Progression ukulele chord progression?

Blues Progression is the I–IV–I–I chord loop. In D major that is D, and G. Simple two-chord blues vamp over four bars.

What do the roman numerals mean in Blues Progression?

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

How do you practice Blues Progression on ukulele?

Loop D, 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 Blues Progression progression?

Songs built on Blues Progression include Got My Mojo Working, and Baby Please Don't Go.

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