Gospel Chord Progressions: 1–4, 2–5–1 and the Church Turnarounds

1–4 (I–IV)

In C major

Cmaj9 – Fmaj9

Where you hear it

Praise and shout sections, vamps

2–5–1

In C major

Dm9 – G9 – Cmaj9

Where you hear it

Every cadence and ending

1–6–2–5

In C major

Cmaj9 – Am9 – Dm9 – G9

Where you hear it

Turnarounds and vamps

IV–iv–I

In C major

Fmaj9 – Fm9 – Cmaj9

Where you hear it

The 'church' resolution: emotional, bittersweet

4–3–2–1

In C major

Fmaj9 – Em9 – Dm9 – Cmaj9

Where you hear it

Descending walk-down into the downbeat

1–4 with passing chords

In C major

C – C/E – F – F♯° – C/G

Where you hear it

Walk-ups that connect chords in the bass