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Skanking

G · Em · C · D

G
I
Em
vi
C
IV
D
V
Key
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Skanking in G major

Skanking is I · vi · IV · V. In G major that is G, Em, C, D. Upbeat ska-influenced reggae progression. Loop those chords in order. The same pattern works in any major key.

Songs that use this

  • Every Breath You Take · The Police
  • Be My Baby · The Ronettes
  • Kingston Town · UB40

Why it works

In G major this loop is G, Em, C, D (I · vi · IV · V). I is the home chord. V pulls away from home and wants to resolve. vi adds a minor color. 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.

GEmCD

Try in other keys

Same Roman numerals; chords transpose with the key.

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

Related progressions

Hawaiian VampSlack KeyHulaIsland BreezeIsland Strum

Frequently asked questions

What is the Skanking ukulele chord progression?

Skanking is the I–vi–IV–V chord loop. In G major that is G, Em, C, and D. Upbeat ska-influenced reggae progression.

What do the roman numerals mean in Skanking?

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

How do you practice Skanking on ukulele?

Loop G, Em, C, and D. 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 Skanking progression?

Songs built on Skanking include Every Breath You Take, Be My Baby, and Kingston Town.

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