Skip to main content
Ukulalala

Folk & Country

Freight Train

G · D · G · C

Watch video
G
I
D
V
G
I
C
IV
Key
learn more

Freight Train in G major

Freight Train is I · V · I · IV. In G major that is G, D, C. Rolling fingerpicking pattern. A folk standard. Loop those chords in order. The same pattern works in any major key.

Songs that use this

  • Freight Train · Elizabeth Cotten
  • Jamaica Farewell · Harry Belafonte
  • Sloop John B · The Beach Boys

Why it works

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

Jump to each shape used in this loop.

GDC

Try in other keys

Same Roman numerals; chords transpose with the key.

C major → C · G · C · FD major → D · A · D · GE major → E · B · E · AF major → F · C · F · BbG major → G · D · G · CA major → A · E · A · DB major → B · F# · B · E

Related progressions

Sweet 'n CheerfulCountry RoadsCountry WaltzBluegrass RunFolk Two-Chord

Frequently asked questions

What is the Freight Train ukulele chord progression?

Freight Train is the I–V–I–IV chord loop. In G major that is G, D, and C. Rolling fingerpicking pattern. A folk standard.

What do the roman numerals mean in Freight Train?

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

How do you practice Freight Train on ukulele?

Loop G, D, and C. 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 Freight Train progression?

Songs built on Freight Train include Freight Train, Jamaica Farewell, and Sloop John B.

Get the Ukulalala app

Keep strumming

Get occasional tips, new tools, and progression inspiration.