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Rock

Rock Majors

E · A · B

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E
I
A
IV
B
V
Key
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Rock Majors in E major

Rock Majors is I · IV · V. In E major that is E, A, B. The essential three-chord rock foundation. Loop those chords in order. The same pattern works in any major key.

Songs that use this

  • Wild Thing · The Troggs
  • Blowin' in the Wind · Bob Dylan
  • Twist and Shout · The Beatles
  • Knockin' on Heaven's Door · Bob Dylan

Why it works

In E major this loop is E, A, B (I · IV · 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 E major

Jump to each shape used in this loop.

EAB

Try in other keys

Same Roman numerals; chords transpose with the key.

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

Related progressions

Rock Majors RotationRock 'n RollCreepWonderwallPunk Drive

Frequently asked questions

What is the Rock Majors ukulele chord progression?

Rock Majors is the I–IV–V chord loop. In E major that is E, A, and B. The essential three-chord rock foundation.

What do the roman numerals mean in Rock Majors?

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

How do you practice Rock Majors on ukulele?

Loop E, A, 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 Rock Majors progression?

Songs built on Rock Majors include Wild Thing, Blowin' in the Wind, Twist and Shout, and Knockin' on Heaven's Door.

Why do so many songs use the same chords?

Rock Majors (I–IV–V) is one of the most reused patterns in Rock and beyond. Writers come back to it because the roles are strong: home, departure, pull, and contrast. It supports almost any melody and still feels complete when you loop it. Same functions, different songs.

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