J-POP
Royal Road Progression (IV–V–IIIm–VIm) Chord Progression
The most commonly used progression in Japanese pop music. Creates a bittersweet and moving atmosphere.
- classic
- bittersweet
- emotional
Roman numerals
- IV
- V
- IIIm
- VIm
Roman numerals give each chord’s position relative to the key’s tonic, so the progression sounds the same in any key.
Chords by key
Key of C
F – G – Em – Am
Key of G
C – D – Bm – Em
Key of D
G – A – F#m – Bm