When you’re just starting out on your guitar journey, one of the most common things you’ll come across is the 1-4-5 chord progression. It’s not just a random set of numbers—it’s one of the building blocks of popular music across the world.
But what exactly does it mean? Why is it so important? And why is it one of the first things taught in basic guitar chords for beginners?
Let’s break it down in the simplest way possible so that even first-time learners and curious parents can understand the magic of this progression.
What Is the 1-4-5 Chord Progression?
To understand the 1 4 5 chord progression, think of a musical key as a family of notes. Every key has seven main notes, and each note has a corresponding chord built on it.
So, if you’re playing in the key of C major, the chords look like this:
- 1 = C major
- 2 = D minor
- 3 = E minor
- 4 = F major
- 5 = G major
- 6 = A minor
- 7 = B diminished
So the 1-4-5 chords in C major would be:
C – F – G
These three chords are known as the “primary chords” or “diatonic triads”, and they are used in hundreds of songs—from pop and rock to gospel, blues, and country music.
What Is 145 Chord Progression on Guitar?
Now, let’s answer: what is 145 chord progression in the context of the guitar.
The 145 progression simply means playing the 1st, 4th, and 5th chords of any key in a sequence. For example, in the key of G major, the chords would be:
- G (1st)
- C (4th)
- D (5th)
These chords are not only easy to play but also sound great together, making them ideal for beginners learning to strum, switch chords, and play full songs.
Whether you’re learning acoustic or electric, the guitar is the most common instrument used to practice the 145 progression, making it one of the best and most important instruments to learn for beginners.
Why Is It Important to Know the 1-4-5 Rule?
Understanding the 1 4 5 chord progression gives you a massive head start in your musical journey because:
- It forms the foundation of countless songs
- It helps you recognize patterns in music
- It builds your chord-switching speed and accuracy
- It allows you to play by ear more easily
- You can start jamming with others quickly
Even many professional musicians rely on this basic chord family when composing or improvising.
How Many Chords Are There in Guitar?
Technically, there are hundreds of guitar chords, including major, minor, seventh, diminished, and many more. But when you’re just starting out, most teachers focus on:
- Open chords (like C, G, D, E, A, F, etc.)
- Barre chords (movable shapes up the neck)
- Power chords (used in rock music)
Out of all these, the basic guitar chords for beginners usually start with around 8–10 essential chords, including the 1-4-5 chords in various keys.
Mastering these gives you the power to play thousands of popular songs!
Why Guitar Is the Best Instrument to Start With
If you’re wondering why the guitar is such a popular choice for beginners, here’s why:
- It’s portable and easy to carry
- You can play songs quickly with just a few chords
- It’s used in every music genre
- It’s ideal for solo and group playing
- It builds rhythm, coordination, and confidence
Whether you’re 8 or 38, the guitar offers a perfect blend of fun and skill-building, making it the go-to instrument for learners worldwide.
Learn Guitar the Right Way with FSM
At Furtados School of Music (FSM), we make sure every beginner starts on the right note. Our online guitar classes are designed to help children and hobby learners understand not just how to play—but how to enjoy music fully.
FSM’s guitar program includes:
- Step-by-step beginner curriculum with live instruction
- Interactive lessons covering chords, strumming, rhythm & song-building
- Certified, experienced teachers who make learning fun
- Flexible online scheduling and guided practice plans
- Performance showcases and progress reports
From learning the 1-4-5 chord progression to mastering full songs, we’re here to turn learners into confident musicians.
Final Strum: Start Small, Dream Big
The beauty of learning guitar is that it doesn’t take years to play something meaningful. All it takes is a few chords—and the 145 progression is a great place to start.
So, whether you’re a parent introducing your child to music or a beginner picking up your first instrument, remember this:
Three chords. One guitar. Endless possibilities.
Start your guitar journey with FSM today.