Variations
As with any other chord progression, there are many possible variations, for example turning the dominant or V into a V7, or repeated I vi progression followed by a single IV V progression. A very common variation is having ii substitute for the subdominant, IV, creating the ii-V-I turnaround.
Variations include switching the vi and the IV chord to create I IV vi V, as is used in "More Than a Feeling" by Boston and "She Drives Me Crazy" by Fine Young Cannibals. This is also similar to the I V vi IV progression.
The harmonic rhythm, or the pace at which the chords occur, may be varied including two beats (half-measure) per chord ( Play), four ( Play) (full measure or bar), eight ( Play) (two measures), and eight beats per chord except for IV and V(7) which get four each ( Play).
"Sleep Walk" by Santo & Johnny uses a similar progression, with the IV replaced by its parallel minor iv for an overall progression of I-vi-iv-V.
Read more about this topic: 50s Progression
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