Three-chord songs, modal folk, and open tunings · I – IV – V – I · i – ♭VII – i (Dorian)
Why traditional folk leans modal (Dorian, Mixolydian), and why three chords are enough for a thousand songs.
Editorial content for this topic is in progress. The interactive player and pattern data are live below.
Hear the pattern
Interactive player — try the progression in any of the 18 keys, switch modes, and adjust tempo to find the feel you want.
C
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C
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I›C
90 BPM
FormulaI – IV – V – I · i – ♭VII – i (Dorian)
FunctionSee "About" below for harmonic role.
Soundits grounded, Appalachian-Celtic earthiness
Common in"Scarborough Fair" — traditional · "House of the Rising Sun" — The Animals · "Drunken Sailor" — traditional
Famous"Scarborough Fair" — traditional · "House of the Rising Sun" — The Animals · "Drunken Sailor" — traditional
The forest green palette on this page is inspired by music-color synesthesia — folk progressions maps to forest green, reflecting its grounded, Appalachian-Celtic earthiness.
About Folk Progressions
Why traditional folk leans modal (Dorian, Mixolydian), and why three chords are enough for a thousand songs.
Variations
Variation
Another way the pattern shows up in real music.
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C
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i›Cm
95 BPM
Variation
Another way the pattern shows up in real music.
C
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C
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I›C
130 BPM
Famous songs & pieces
"Scarborough Fair" — traditional
"House of the Rising Sun" — The Animals
"Drunken Sailor" — traditional
Frequently asked questions
What is a folk progressions progression?
Why traditional folk leans modal (Dorian, Mixolydian), and why three chords are enough for a thousand songs.
How do I use this on the piano?
Start with the player above in C. Once the pattern is in your ear, transpose to the keys you actually play in. The Roman numerals stay the same; only the chord names change.