Roman numerals explained
I is the chord on the first degree of the scale, IV on the fourth, and V on the fifth. In C major those are C, F and G. Lowercase vi indicates a minor chord: in C major, vi is Am.
Two progressions to practise
Start with I–IV–V–I in G major: G–C–D–G. A second exercise is I–V–vi–IV in C major: C–G–Am–F. Give each chord four beats and repeat. F can be difficult for beginners; practise that change separately or start with the G progression.
G major: | G | C | D | G | C major: | C | G | Am | F |
Make the changes musical
Begin with one downstroke per chord and keep counting even when a change isn't perfect. Add a strumming pattern only after the order feels familiar. The key pages show chords that belong to your chosen scale.