Music lesson plan: The 1-5-6-4 chord progression made easy (why it works and how to use it)

Why you should pay attention to the 1-5-6-4 chord progression with your kids

Imagine your kids sitting down at the piano (or any chord-producing instrument/device), playing just four simple chords, and realizing they’ve unlocked the secret to countless hit songs.

After all, they're hearing it all the time. From The Beatles to Adele, and from Taylor Swift to Justin Bieber, these four chords are basically the secret sauce of pop music.

I'm talking about the 1-5-6-4 chord progression, and today, you’re about to find out why it’s everywhere—and how your kids can start using it to create their own music.

Learning about this chord progression will help your kids:

Understand structure and the power of repetition
Listen to familiar music and recognise its patterns
Get creative and explore their own musical ideas

Let's dig in!

Why is the 1-5-6-4 chord progression so popular?

Why is this chord progression so special?

What makes these four chords stand out from the infinite other combinations possible in music?

It’s more than just coincidence—this progression taps into fundamental aspects of music theory, emotional storytelling, and even our brain chemistry.

Whether your kids are beginners or seasoned musicians, learning to play and understand the 1-5-6-4 progression could be a game-changer.

👉The 1-5-6-4 chord progression explained

The 1-5-6-4 progression is named for the way its chords relate to the key of the song, rather than specific chords themselves.

If we use the key of C major as an example, the chords are:

1 (I): C major (the tonic, or home base)
5 (V): G major (dominant, creating tension and excitement)
6 (vi): A minor (the relative minor, adding emotional depth)
4 (IV): F major (a resolution that feels satisfying)

When played in sequence, these chords create a smooth, circular journey.

It’s no wonder this progression has been used in iconic tracks like...

“Let It Be” by The Beatles:

Hear 1-5-6-4 in the verse, e.g. "When I find myself in times of trouble"

“Someone Like You” by Adele:

Hear 1-5-6-4 in the chorus ("Never mind, I'll find someone like you..."):

Here’s why the 1-5-6-4 chord progression works

Like any chord progression, the crux of it is this: it creates and resolves tension.

The movement from the tonic (1 or I) to the dominant (5 or V) chord builds a sense of anticipation and tension. These two chords, I and V, are significant, robust and versatile chords for reasons beyond the scope of this article.

The next chord shifts to the relative minor (6 or vi) chord and introduces what some feel is a more introspective and melancholic quality. Some tension remains in this chord.

The resolution to the subdominant (4 or IV) chord then provides a sense of stability, closure and release, creating a satisfying harmonic journey for the listener.

You could sum up the brilliance of the 1-5-6-4 progression this way:

Predictability and Comfort: The 1-5-6-4 progression follows a now-well-trodden path that feels familiar to many listeners.
Emotional Resonance: The shift between major and minor chords provides both brightness and poignancy.
Flexibility: You can play it fast or slow, use it in pop, rock, or ballads, and it always sounds fresh.
Tension/release: By moving from chords with more tension (V and vi) to those with less or none (I and IV), it creates an emminently listenable harmonic story.

Just like stories themselves have conflict/tension and resolution, so does music thanks to progressions such as the 1-5-6-4.

So with all that said, how can your kids use it?

Activity Ideas

Learn it on your instrument. Here are a couple of examples:

-In C major: C major (1), G major (5), A minor (6), F major (4).

-In G major: G major (1), D major (5), E minor (6), C major (4).

Work at moving back and forth between just two chords - once these are easy for you, add another chord. Then add the last chord!
Experiment with different keys to match your vocal range or style, but only try another key once you're 100% comfortable with the current key.
Experiment with Rhythm: Start with simple whole notes, then try breaking the chords into arpeggios or syncopated rhythms.
Add Lyrics or a Melody: Hum a melody over the chords or think about a story you want to tell. The progression is a great backdrop for emotional lyrics.
Write Your Own Song: Create a verse using the 1-5-6-4 progression, and try contrasting it with a different progression for the chorus.

A confession:

Here's the crazy thing: I cannot remember being taught this as a kid. Looking back, that's crazy! Teaching kids for 16yrs+, I now realise how bright and capable kids are at grasping these concepts.

Look at this poor lad (me in the late 90's!) with no knowledge of 1-5-6-4 progressions...

This is why I run weekly, live music lessons for homeschooling families. I love sharing with kids the musical discoveries I've made. Find out more by clicking this paragraph.