A deep dive into simple but foundational chord progressionsā€”those relying on what are sometimes called the “primary chords”: the I, the IV, and the V.

Age Range: 14 (Grade 9) and up.

Learning Activity Number: 2.

Learning Objectives: Students will be become familiar with I-IV-V chord progressions and gain a theoretical and a felt understanding of how they “work” in songs. Students will be better able to:

  • recognize I-IV-V chord progressions in songs,
  • learn I-IV-V songs by ear, and
  • produce their own chord progressions using the I, IV, and V chords.

Universal Design for Learning Principles: Preparatory instruction is audio-visual, with captions, different playback speeds, and infinite repetition available to all learners. It explains specialized terms.

Resources/Materials: Students will need the following:

  • internet access to view the study materials on YouTube and make their online submissions,
  • access to their chordal instrument and some privacy for figuring out and playing songs, and
  • basic video recording and processing capabilities to share the results of their work.

Learning Activity Outline

Introduction:

Instructional Content:

Activity: View and, as needed for understanding, review (at your own preferred speed, and with subtitles if desired) the above 2 instructional videos. Then find and learn to play three different existing I-IV-V songsā€”songs (in any genre[s]) with chord progressions relying exclusively on the I, IV, and V chords. Then write your own two I-IV-V progressions. Each song pattern must be at least slightly different from the others. Make a video of you playing a verse from each of them, and reflectā€”orally in the video, or in an accompanying written documentā€”on the differences between these five chord progressions and the feelings they elicit in you.

Assessment: Students’ video and reflection submissions will provide ample evidence of understandings and misunderstandings about chord progressions and the basic uses of the I, IV, and V chords (as outlined in the instructional content). Students’ work will also show their ability to apply their understanding in the creation of original chord progressions.