Skip to main content
Ukulalala

Classics

Motown

E · E7 · A · A7

Watch video
E
I
E7
I7
A
IV
A7
IV7
Key
learn more

Motown in E major

Motown is I · I7 · IV · IV7. In E major that is E, E7, A, A7. Classic Motown color with dominant 7ths. Smooth and groovy. Loop those chords in order. The same pattern works in any major key.

Songs that use this

  • What'd I Say · Ray Charles
  • Blue Suede Shoes · Carl Perkins
  • Shake Rattle and Roll · Big Joe Turner

Why it works

In E major this loop is E, E7, A, A7 (I · I7 · IV · IV7). 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 E major

Jump to each shape used in this loop.

EE7AA7

Try in other keys

Same Roman numerals; chords transpose with the key.

C major → C · C7 · F · F7D major → D · D7 · G · G7E major → E · E7 · A · A7F major → F · F7 · Bb · Bb7G major → G · G7 · C · C7A major → A · A7 · D · D7B major → B · B7 · E · E7

Related progressions

Happy Days - 50sSoul BalladAndalusian CadenceAndalusian Cadence (Major)Canon in D

Frequently asked questions

What is the Motown ukulele chord progression?

Motown is the I–I7–IV–IV7 chord loop. In E major that is E, E7, A, and A7. Classic Motown color with dominant 7ths. Smooth and groovy.

What do the roman numerals mean in Motown?

Roman numerals mark each chord's role in the key, not fixed chord names. Uppercase is major, lowercase is minor. Motown uses I–I7–IV–IV7. Change the key and the roles stay; the chord names move with it. In E major you play E, E7, A, A7.

How do you practice Motown on ukulele?

Loop E, E7, A, and A7. 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 Motown progression?

Songs built on Motown include What'd I Say, Blue Suede Shoes, and Shake Rattle and Roll.

Get the Ukulalala app

Keep strumming

Get occasional tips, new tools, and progression inspiration.