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Doo-Wop Variant

E · C#m · G#m · B

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E
I
C#m
vi
G#m
iii
B
V
Key
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Doo-Wop Variant in E major

Doo-Wop Variant is I · vi · iii · V. In E major that is E, C#m, G#m, B. Classic-sounding variant with a smooth iii step before V. Loop those chords in order. The same pattern works in any major key.

Songs that use this

  • I Feel Fine · The Beatles
  • In My Room · The Beach Boys
  • Crying · Roy Orbison

Why it works

In E major this loop is E, C#m, G#m, B (I · vi · iii · V). I is the home chord. V pulls away from home and wants to resolve. vi adds a minor color. Play the chords in order and the pattern is easy to hear on ukulele.

Chords in E major

Jump to each shape used in this loop.

EC#mG#mB

Try in other keys

Same Roman numerals; chords transpose with the key.

C major → C · Am · Em · GD major → D · Bm · F#m · AE major → E · C#m · G#m · BF major → F · Dm · Am · CG major → G · Em · Bm · DA major → A · F#m · C#m · EB major → B · G#m · D#m · F#

Related progressions

Major 4Major 4 RotationMajor 4 SubdominantStepwise PopPop Rotation Lift

Frequently asked questions

What is the Doo-Wop Variant ukulele chord progression?

Doo-Wop Variant is the I–vi–iii–V chord loop. In E major that is E, C#m, G#m, and B. Classic-sounding variant with a smooth iii step before V.

What do the roman numerals mean in Doo-Wop Variant?

Roman numerals mark each chord's role in the key, not fixed chord names. Uppercase is major, lowercase is minor. Doo-Wop Variant uses I–vi–iii–V. Change the key and the roles stay; the chord names move with it. In E major you play E, C#m, G#m, B.

How do you practice Doo-Wop Variant on ukulele?

Loop E, C#m, G#m, and B. 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 Doo-Wop Variant progression?

Songs built on Doo-Wop Variant include I Feel Fine, In My Room, and Crying.

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