I–vi–IV–V in Ab Major — Chords & Free MIDI

I–vi–IV–V is the 50s doo-wop changes. Written out in Ab Major — 4 flats (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db) — it becomes Ab – Fm – Db – Eb. The numerals are what stays the same from key to key: I–vi–IV–V is the same set of relationships whether it lands on Ab or on any of the other eleven keys, which is why songwriters think in numerals and only pick a key afterwards.

I–vi–IV–V in Ab Major, chord by chord

The same progression, related keys

Numerals travel: I–vi–IV–V is the same set of relationships in any key, so if Ab Major sits wrong for a singer, move it and the shape survives.

• F Minor scale — relative minor — the same seven notes, resolving to a different home
• Ab Minor scale — parallel minor — the same tonic, a different third

How it works

Pick a key, a scale, and one of the classic progressions, and this tool writes the chords into a MIDI file you can drop straight onto an instrument track in any DAW. Each roman numeral is voiced as a triad built from the scale — enable 7th chords for a jazzier sound, or arpeggiate to spread each chord into eighth notes. Press play preview to hear the progression before downloading. Here the tool arrives preset to I–vi–IV–V in Ab Major, so the file you download voices Ab – Fm – Db – Eb exactly as shown above.

Popular progressions included

• I – V – vi – IV — the "four chords" behind countless pop hits.
• ii – V – I — the fundamental jazz turnaround.
• The 12-bar blues — the backbone of blues, rock and roll, and early jazz.
• The Andalusian cadence, the 50s doo-wop changes, the J-pop royal road, and more.

Because every progression is spelled from the key you choose, moving I–vi–IV–V out of Ab Major is one dropdown away — but in Ab Major itself you get Ab, Fm, Db, Eb, chords that sit comfortably under most vocal ranges and lead instruments.

Progressions are a starting point — if you want full arrangements with melodies, basslines, and drums written around Ab – Fm – Db – Eb, open the MIDI Maker studio and generate a complete track.

I–vi–IV–V in every key

• I–vi–IV–V in C Major
• I–vi–IV–V in Db Major
• I–vi–IV–V in D Major
• I–vi–IV–V in Eb Major
• I–vi–IV–V in E Major
• I–vi–IV–V in F Major
• I–vi–IV–V in Gb Major
• I–vi–IV–V in G Major
• I–vi–IV–V in A Major
• I–vi–IV–V in Bb Major
• I–vi–IV–V in B Major

More progressions in Ab Major

• I–V–vi–IV in Ab Major
• vi–IV–I–V in Ab Major
• I–IV–V–IV in Ab Major
• ii–V–I in Ab Major
• I–vi–ii–V in Ab Major
• i–VII–VI–V in Ab Minor
• i–VI–III–VII in Ab Minor
• i–iv–VII–III in Ab Minor
• I–V–IV–IV in Ab Major
• IV–V–iii–vi in Ab Major
• 12-Bar Blues in Ab Major

Or head back to the chord progression tool to build any combination yourself.

Keep building: scales, drums and more

• Ab Major scale MIDI
• Ab Major Pentatonic scale MIDI
• House drum MIDI
• Techno drum MIDI
• Boom Bap Hip-Hop drum MIDI
• Trap drum MIDI

Frequently asked questions

What chords are in the I–vi–IV–V progression in Ab Major?

In Ab Major, I–vi–IV–V is Ab – Fm – Db – Eb. Those are built from the ab major scale — Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, G — stacking thirds on each numeral's degree.

What notes make up each chord?

Ab is Ab, C, Eb; Fm is F, Ab, C; Db is Db, F, Ab; Eb is Eb, G, Bb.

Can I get 7th chords or arpeggios instead of block triads?

Yes — enable "7th chords" to stack a diatonic seventh on every chord, or "Arpeggiate" to spread each chord into eighth notes before downloading.

Is this chord progression MIDI free for commercial use?

Yes — the download is free, requires no sign-up, and chord progressions themselves are not copyrightable, so you can use the MIDI in any personal or commercial production.