The chords
Every chord links to its full reference page — notes, keyboard diagram, audio, fingering, and inversions.
Which key is it in?
A progression's key is the one whose scale contains all of its chords, and the Roman numerals below are each chord's job in that key. When several keys qualify, the ear usually decides by where the music comes to rest.
| Key | Roman numerals | Named pattern |
|---|---|---|
| C major | I – V – vi – IV | The Axis |
| A minor | ♭III – ♭VII – i – ♭VI | Not a named pattern |
Why The Axis works
Three major chords plus the relative-minor vi. It loops around the tonic without ever fully resolving — which is exactly why it feels endless and hummable.
The full The Axis reference → covers variations, songs built on it, and the pattern in every key.