The III-VI-II-V-I chord progression is made up of the 3rd, 6th, 2nd, 5th, and 1st (root) steps of a major scale. This would give the chord progression 3 minor triad and 2 major triad chords. In the key of “C” major the chord progression would be E minor (III), A minor (VI), D minor (II), G major (V), and ending on C major (I). For variety you can also begin on C major (I) instead of E minor (III).
On this page you will find the 3-note (triad) III-VI-II-V-I progression chords for each of the twelve (12) keys. We shall begin with the key of “C” and proceed through to “B”. Practice the III-VI-II-V-I chord progression in all twelve keys…and have fun!
| Scale | Chord VI | Chord II | Chord V | Chord I | Chord IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C Major | E Minor | A Minor | D Minor | G Major | C Major |
| C#/Db Major | F Minor | A#/Bb Minor | D#/Eb Minor | G#/Ab Major | C#/Db Major |
| D Major | F#/Gb Minor | B Minor | E Minor | A Major | D Major |
| D#/Eb Major | G Minor | C Minor | F Minor | A#/Bb Major | D#/Eb Major |
| E Major | G#/Ab Minor | C#/Db Minor | F#/Gb Minor | B Major | E Major |
| F Major | A Minor | D Minor | G Minor | C Major | F Major |
| F#/Gb Major | A#/Bb Minor | D#/Eb Minor | G#/Ab Minor | C#/Db Major | F#/Gb Major |
| G Major | B Minor | E Minor | A Minor | D Major | G Major |
| G#/Ab Major | C Minor | F Minor | A#/Bb Minor | D#/Eb Major | G#/Ab Major |
| A Major | C#/Db Minor | F#/Gb Minor | B Minor | E Major | A Major |
| A#/Bb Major | D Minor | G Minor | C Minor | F Major | A#/Bb Major |
| B Major | D#/Eb Minor | G#/Ab Minor | C#/Db Minor | F#/Gb Major | B Major |
Remember, you can always go to our virtual piano keyboard if you need help or want to see how a chord looks on the piano keyboard. Experiment with all the new chords you now know how to make on the keyboard! Try playing the 3-note (triad) III-VI-II-V-I chord progression chords with your left hand, while playing the corresponding major scale for that key with your right.
When you feel comfortable with the triad chords, go to 7th progression chords for the III-VI-II-V-I chord progression. Here you will be playing minor 7th, dominant 7th, and major 7th chords. Let’s go have some fun!
Chord progressions-I-IV-V – This chart will show you the major triad scale tone chords for the I-IV-V chord progression.
Chord progressons-II-V-I – This chart will show you the major triad scale tone chords for the II-V-I chord progression.