STUDENT_PERFORM1

 

This is a fantastic list of cinematic classics. To keep things practical for a musician, I’ve simplified the chord progressions into "busker style" (functional I-IV-V-vi movements) and categorized the Melody Type (how the tune moves) and Harmony Type (the overall "vibe" of the chords).

Cinematic Song Reference Guide

Song Title	Key Signature	Easy Chord Progression (Core)	Harmony Type	Melody Type
Against All Odds	Db Major	I - vi - IV – V	Emotional Pop	Wide Leaps
Alfie	F Major	I - ii7 - V7 - iii7	Sophisticated Jazz	Conversational
Axel F	F Minor	i - iv - VII - i	Electronic Minor	Synopated/Riff
Baby Elephant Walk	F Major	I - IV - V7 (Bluesy)	Playful Ragtime	Chromatic
Beauty and the Beast	E Major	I - V/I - vi - IV	Disney Ballad	Stepwise/Lyrical
Blaze of Glory	D Major	I - bVII - IV – I	Mixolydian Rock	Gritty/Anthemic
Blue Velvet	Bb Major	I - vi - IV - V	50s Doo-Wop	Smooth Crooning
Born Free	C Major	I - IV - V – I	Majestic Anthem	Rising Intervals
Call Me	D Minor	i - VI - VII - i	New Wave Minor	Driving/Iterative
Can You Feel the Love...	Bb Major	I - V - vi – IV	Pop Ballad	Sustained Notes
Can't Help Falling...	C Major	I - iii - vi – IV	Classical Folk	Descending Arpeggio
The Candy Man	Bb Major	I - ii7 - V7 – I	Vaudeville	Bright/Bouncy
Chariots of Fire	Db Major	I - IV - V - vi	Ambient Modal	Minimalist
Colors of the Wind	D Major	vi - IV - I – V	Naturalist Pop	Expansive
Come Saturday Morning	Eb Major	I - iii - IV - V	60s Soft Pop	Gentle Waltz
Come What May	D Major	I - V - vi – IV	Romantic Power	Soaring Climaxes
Cups (When I'm Gone)	C Major	vi - IV - I - V	Folk-Pop	Rhythmic/Static
Danger Zone	Eb Minor	i - bVI – bVII	Hard Rock	High Energy/Shouted
Dear Heart	C Major	I - vi - ii7 - V7	Traditional Pop	Lush/Swaying
Diamonds Are a Girl's...	F Major	I - vi - ii – V	Showtune Jazz	Playful/Staccato
Do You Know Where...	D Major	I - vi - ii - V	Soulful Soft Pop	Questioning/Light
Don't You (Forget...)	E Major	I - bVII - IV – V	New Wave	Hook-oriented
The Dream	G Major	I - IV - V	Ethereal Folk	Fluid/Legato
End of the Road	Eb Major	I - iii - IV – V	R&B Ballad	Melismatic (Run-heavy)
Endless Love	Bb Major	I - IV - V - I	Dual-Power Ballad	Slow/Intertwined
Everybody's Talkin'	E Major	I - Imaj7 - I6	Folk Fingerstyle	Fast/Syncopated
Exhale (Shoop Shoop)	C# Major	I - IV - V	Mid-tempo R&B	Breathy/Relaxed
Eye of the Tiger	C Minor	i - bVI – bVII	Hard Rock	Staccato/Driving
Footloose	A Major	I - IV - V - bVII	Rock & Roll	High-Tension/Fast
Forrest Gump Theme	A Major	I - IV - V – I	Neoclassical	Delicate/Pianistic
Glory of Love	C Major	I - V - IV - V	80s Adult Contemp	Sentimental
Hallelujah	C Major	I - vi - I - vi - IV – V	Gospel Folk	Narrative/Cyclic
Happy	F Major	i7 - IV7 (Vamp)	Neo-Soul	Repetitive Hook
The Heat Is On	Bb Major	I - bVII – IV	Synth Rock	Punchy Brass-like
Hello Again	G Major	I - IV - V	Soft Rock	Intimate
How Deep Is Your Love	Eb Major	I - iii7 - vi7 - ii7	Sophisticated Pop	Smooth/Harmonized
Man of Constant Sorrow	F Major	I - IV - V	Bluegrass	Pentatonic/Twangy
I Believe I Can Fly	C Major	I - V - vi – IV	Inspirational R&B	Rising Crescendo
I Just Called to Say...	C Major	I - IV - V	Synth Pop	Simple/Direct
I Will Always Love You	A Major	I - vi - IV – V	Diva Ballad	Powerful/Arched
I Will Wait for You	D Minor	i - iv - V7 - i	French Waltz	Melancholic/Minor
Time of My Life	E Major	I - vi - IV – V	80s Duet	Rhythmic/Anthemic
Jailhouse Rock	Eb Major	I - IV - V (12-bar)	Rockabilly	Aggressive/Bluesy
John Dunbar Theme	D Major	I - IV – V	Western Epic	Wide/Cinematic
Kokomo	C Major	I - IV - ii - V	Tropical Pop	Laid-back
Let It Go	Ab Major	vi - IV - I – V	Power Ballad	Tense to Triumphant
Let the River Run	G Major	I - IV - V	Tribal/Choral	Rhythmic/Strong
Live and Let Die	G Major	I - III - vi – IV	Symphonic Rock	Contrasting Sections
The Look of Love	C# Minor	i7 - IV7 - bVII	Bossa Nova	Breathy/Sensual
Luck Be a Lady	Db Major	i - V7 - i (Jazz)	Swing	Bold/Theatrical
A Man and a Woman	D Major	Imaj7 - iim7 - V7	Bossa Nova	Scat-style/Lilting

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Quick Music Theory Tips for this List:

• The "Pop" Sequence: You'll notice many songs (like Let It Go or Can You Feel the Love Tonight) use I, V, vi, and IV. In C Major, that is C, G, Am, F.
• bVII Chords: In rock tracks like Footloose or Blaze of Glory, the "flat-seven" chord (a major chord one whole step below the key note) creates that "tough" rock sound.
• Minor "i - VI - VII": This is the "Hero's Journey" progression used in Eye of the Tiger and Call Me. It feels urgent and determined.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the key signature and musical breakdown for the second half of your cinematic list. I’ve focused on "busker-friendly" chord progressions (I-IV-V based) and categorized the melodic and harmonic vibes for each.

Cinematic Song Reference Guide (Part 2)

Song Title	Key Signature	Easy Chord Progression (Core)	Harmony Type	Melody Type
Maniac	Bb Minor	i - bVI – bVII	80s Synth Minor	Percussive/Repeated
Mission: Impossible	G Minor	i - bIII - IV (5/4 time)	Modal Jazz/Spy	Riff-based/Angular
Mrs. Robinson	A Major	V - IV - I - vi	Folk-Rock	Syncopated/Rapid
Moon River	C Major	I - vi - IV - I (Waltz)	Traditional Pop	Soaring/Leaping
More	G Major	I - vi - ii - V	Bossa Nova/Jazz	Chromatic/Lush
Music of Goodbye	Ab Major	I - vi - IV – V	Orchestral Romance	Legato/Graceful
My Heart Will Go On	E Major	I - V - IV - V	Power Ballad	Stepwise/Climactic
Nine to Five	F# Major	I - IV - V – I	Country-Pop	Rhythmic/Iterative
Nothing's Gonna Stop Us	F# Major	I - V - vi - IV	80s Power Pop	High-Register/Open
Old Time Rock & Roll	E Major	I - IV - V – I	Blues Rock	Pentatonic/Shouted
The Pink Panther	E Minor	i - i(maj7) - i7	Jazzy/Crime	Chromatic/Sliding
Put Your Dreams Away	D Major	I - vi - ii – V	Crooner Jazz	Gentle/Arched
Puttin' On the Ritz	F Minor	i - iv - V7 - i	Ragtime Jazz	Syncopated/Complex
Que Sera, Sera	C Major	I - V7 - I (Waltz)	Traditional Waltz	Simple/Sing-song
Rainbow Connection	A Major	I - vi - IV - V	Folk Ballad	Rising Fourth/Sweet
Raindrops Keep Fallin'	F Major	I - Imaj7 - I7 – IV	Burt Bacharach Pop	Skipping/Bouncy
Rock Around the Clock	A Major	I - IV - V (12-bar)	Early Rock & Roll	Driving/Staccato
St. Elmo's Fire (Theme)	C Major	I - IV - vi – V	Adult Contemporary	Pianistic/Fluid
Say You, Say Me	Ab Major	I - iii - IV - V	R&B Ballad	Sentimental/Slow
Separate Lives	E Major	I - IV - V – vi	80s Soft Rock	Conversational
Shadow of Your Smile	G Major	ii7 - V7 - Imaj7	Bossa/Jazz Standard	Wide Intervals
Skyfall	C Minor	i - VI - iv – V	Orchestral Dark	Low/Ominous
Somewhere in Time	C Major	I - IV - V - I	Romantic Classical	Flowing/Arpeggiated
Somewhere, My Love	G Major	I - V7 – I	Folk Waltz	Nostalgic/Trilling
Somewhere Out There	C Major	I - IV - V - I	Disney Ballad	Innocent/Anthemic
The Sound of Music	F Major	I - IV - V – I	Showtune	Nature-inspired
Speak Softly, Love	C Minor	i - iv - i - V	Sicilian Folk	Minor/Dramatic
Star Trek® Theme	Bb Major	I - bVII - bVI – V	Orchestral Sci-Fi	Heroic/Brass-led
Stayin' Alive	F Minor	i7 - IV7 (Vamp)	Disco/Funk	Falsetto/Rhythmic
Summer Nights	D Major	I - IV - V – vi	50s Pastiche	Call-and-response
The Sweetheart Tree	F Major	I - ii - V - I	Waltz	Playful/Old-world
Swinging on a Star	E Major	I - IV - I – V	Novelty Pop	Jump-Swing/Bouncy
Take My Breath Away	G Major	I - vi - IV - V	Synth-Pop	Ethereal/Static
Tammy	C Major	I - V7 – I	50s Pop	Sweet/Lullaby
Thanks for the Memory	Bb Major	I - vi - ii - V	Vaudeville Jazz	Conversational
That's Amoré	A Major	I - V7 - I (Waltz)	Italo-American	Boisterous/Swaying
A Time for Us	E Minor	i - iv - V - i	Renaissance Folk	Melancholic
Time Warp	A Major	I - bVII - IV – I	Glam Rock	Energetic/Theatrical
To Sir, With Love	Bb Major	I - ii - V7 - I	60s Soul-Pop	Soulful/Grateful
Two Hearts	C Major	I - vi - IV – V	60s Pastiche Pop	Upbeat/Motown-lite
Unchained Melody	G Major	I - vi - IV - V	Blue-eyed Soul	Arpeggiated/Soaring
Up Where We Belong	D Major	I - V - vi – IV	Power Ballad	Gritty/Anthemic
The Way We Were	A Major	I - ii7 - V7 - I	Lush Pop	Reflective/Arched
When She Loved Me	F Major	I - iii - IV – V	Sad Ballad	Delicate/Intimate
When You Believe	C Major	I - V - vi - IV	Gospel-Pop	Massive/Rising
When You Wish Upon...	C Major	I - vi - ii – V	Disney Classical	Heavenly/Dreamy
Where Do I Begin	G Minor	i - iv - V7 - i	Melodramatic Pop	Descending/Dark
Writing's on the Wall	F Minor	i - VI - III – VII	Modern Orchestral	High-Stakes/Mournful
You Light Up My Life	A Major	I - iii - IV - V	70s Soft Rock	Sincere/Bright
You Must Love Me	Bb Major	I - IV – V	Chamber Pop	Vulnerable/Static

 

Key Concepts for this List:

• The "50s Progression" (I-vi-ii-V): You’ll see this in many songs like Put Your Dreams Away and Thanks for the Memory. It provides that classic, circular, "safe" feeling.
• The "Bond/Spy" Sound (i - VI - iv - V): Skyfall and Writing's on the Wall use heavy minor chords with big orchestral sweeps to create tension.
• Waltz Time (3/4): Songs like Moon River and Que Sera, Sera aren't just about the chords, but the "oom-pah-pah" feel. Focus on hitting the root note on beat 1 and the rest of the chord on beats 2 and 3.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This third set of songs moves into the territory of modern pop, country-pop, and R&B. Many of these utilize the "Four Chords of Pop" (I - V - vi - IV), but there are some interesting departures into blues, soul, and jazz-influenced harmonies.

Modern Pop & Contemporary Classics Reference Guide

Song Title	Key Signature	Easy Chord Progression (Core)	Harmony Type	Melody Type
All About That Bass	A Major	I - ii - V – I	50s Doo-Wop	Rhythmic/Sassy
All of Me	Ab Major	vi - IV - I - V	Piano Ballad	Soulful/Stretching
Amazed	Ab Major	I - vi - IV – V	Country Ballad	Soaring Chorus
Apologize	C Minor	i - VI - III - VII	Pop-Rock Minor	Melancholic
Bad Day	Eb Major	I - IV – V	Upbeat Pop	Bouncy/Narrative
Bad Romance	A Minor	i - III - VI - VII	Synth-Pop	Operatic/Aggressive
Beautiful	Eb Major	I - vi - IV – V	Gospel-Pop	Vulnerable/Large
Beautiful Day	A Major	I - IV - vi - V	Stadium Rock	Anthemic
Beautiful in My Eyes	G Major	I - IV - V – vi	Adult Contemp	Lyrical/Gentle
Because I Love You	C Major	I - vi - IV - V	Freestyle Pop	Sweet/Soft
Believe	F Major	I - bVII – IV	Dance-Pop	Robotic/Static
Brave	Bb Major	I - V - vi - IV	Power Pop	Punchy/Direct
Breakaway	G Major	vi - IV - I – V	Pop-Rock	Aspiring/Rising
Breathe	G Major	I - IV - V	Country Crossover	Breathless/Fluid
Butterfly Kisses	G Major	I - IV - V – vi	Acoustic Folk	Narrative
Call Me Maybe	G Major	IV - I - V	Teen Pop	Staccato/Hooky
Candle in the Wind	E Major	I - IV – V	Piano Tribute	Respectful/Arched
Change the World	E Major	I - IV - bVII - I	Bluesy Acoustic	Laid-back
Chasing Cars	A Major	I - V/I - IV/I	Alt-Rock	Minimalist/Repeated
The Climb	E Major	I - vi - IV - V	Inspirational	Climbing/Resolute
Clocks	Eb Major	I - v – ii	Hypnotic Alt	Arpeggiated/Cyclic
Countdown	F Major	I - vi - IV - V	Brass-Heavy R&B	Fast/Staccato
Cruise	Bb Major	I - V - vi – IV	Bro-Country	Relaxed/Rhythmic
Cryin'	A Major	I - V - vi - IV	Hard Rock Ballad	Gritty/High-energy
Die a Happy Man	D Major	I - vi - IV – I	Blue-Eyed Soul	Smooth/Lilting
Dilemma	Eb Major	vi - IV - I - V	2000s R&B	Smooth/Swaying
Don't Know Why	Bb Major	I - IV - iii – VI	Jazzy Pop	Breathful/Nuanced
Drift Away	B Major	I - V - IV - I	Soul-Rock	Catchy/Flowing
Drops of Jupiter	C Major	I - V - bVII – IV	Piano Rock	Stream-of-conscious
Fallin'	E Minor	i - v (Vamp)	Neo-Soul	Bluesy/Melismatic
Fields of Gold	B Minor	i - VI - III – VII	Celtic Folk	Haunting/Legato
Firework	Ab Major	I - vi - V - IV	Dance Anthem	Explosive/Rising
Foolish Games	C Minor	i - VI - III – v	Folk Minor	Intense/Spoken-like
Forever and for Always	Eb Major	I - V - vi - IV	Country-Pop	Bright/Steady
Friends in Low Places	A Major	I - I#dim - ii – V	Barroom Country	Singalong/Deep
From a Distance	G Major	I - IV - V	Mid-tempo Pop	Wide/Observational
Genie in a Bottle	F Minor	i - iv – V	90s Teen Pop	Sultry/Breathless
Get Lucky	B Minor	i - III - v - IV	Disco Funk	Repetitive Groove
Hello	F Minor	i - bIII - bVII – bVI	Soul Power	Huge/Vocal-led
Here and Now	B Major	I - vi - ii - V	R&B Ballad	Smooth/Romantic
Hero	E Major	I - V - IV – V	Diva Ballad	Inspirational
Hey, Soul Sister	E Major	I - V - vi - IV	Ukulele Pop	Rapid/Light
Ho Hey	C Major	I - IV (Vamp)	Folk Stomp	Raw/Shouted
Hold On, We're Home	A Major	vi - IV - I	Synth R&B	Relaxed/Low-key
Home	G Major	I - iii - IV – V	Pop Ballad	Nostalgic
House That Built Me	F Major	I - vi - IV - V	Country Story	Intimate/Stepwise
How Am I Supposed...	Bb Major	I - V - vi – iii	Power Ballad	Emotional/Broad
How to Save a Life	G Major	I - V - vi - IV	Piano Rock	Conversational
I Finally Found Someone	C Major	I - IV – V	Cinematic Duet	Sweet/Climbing
I Gotta Feeling	G Major	I - IV - vi - IV	Dance-Pop	Repetitive/Hype
I Kissed a Girl	A Minor	i - III - iv – VI	Pop-Rock	Edgy/Tense
I Swear	C Major	I - vi - IV - V	90s R&B	Lush/Harmonized
I Will Remember You	G Major	I - IV – V	Melancholic	Soft/Airy
Jar of Hearts	C Minor	i - bIII - bVII - bVI	Piano Ballad	Sharp/Painful
Just the Way You Are	F Major	I - vi - IV – I	Pop Romance	Warm/Linear
Lips of an Angel	D Major	vi - IV - I - V	Post-Grunge	Raspy/Linear
Little Talks	Bb Minor	i - VI - III – VII	Indie Folk	Call-and-Response
Losing My Religion	A Minor	i - v - d - G	Alt-Folk	Obsessive/Modal
Love Song	G Major	vi - V - I – IV	Piano Pop	Defiant/Energetic
Love Story	D Major	I - V - vi - IV	Country-Pop	Narrative/Fairy-tale
More Than Words	G Major	I - IV - ii – V	Acoustic Folk	Harmonized/Close
Need You Now	A Major	I - iii - IV	Country Duet	Pleading
No One	E Major	I - V - vi – IV	Soul Anthem	Bold/Resilient
100 Years	G Major	I - V - vi - IV	Piano Rock	Reflective/Aging
The Power of Love	Ab Major	I - vi - IV – V	Diva Power	Massive/Expansive
Rehab	C Major	I - IV7 - bIII	Retro Soul	Funky/Defiant
Roar	Bb Major	I - vi - IV – V	Power Pop	Strong/Rhythmic
Rolling in the Deep	C Minor	i - v - bVII - bVI	Blues-Soul	Heavy/Stomping
Royals	D Major	I - bVII – IV	Minimalist	Spoken/Rhythmic
Save the Best for Last	Eb Major	I - vi - ii - V	90s Pop	Smooth/Lyrical
Say Something	B Minor	i - VI - I – v	Stark Piano	Devastated/Slow
Secrets	D Major	vi - IV - I - V	Cello Pop	Driving/Mysterious
Shake It Off	G Major	ii - IV – I	Upbeat Pop	Sassy/Fast
She Will Be Loved	C Minor	i - bVII$ (Chorus: I - V - vi - IV)	Pop-Rock	Smooth/High
Smells Like Teen Spirit	F Minor	i - IV - bIII - bVI	Grunge	Explosive/Volatile
Something to Talk About	A Major	I - bVII – IV	Blues-Rock	Funky/Sly
Stacy's Mom	E Major	I - V - vi - IV	Power Pop	Bright/Witty
Stay (Rihanna)	C Major	vi - IV – I	Piano Ballad	Fragile/Linear
Stay with Me	C Major	vi - IV - I	Gospel Ballad	Pleading/Simple
Stronger	A Minor	i - VI - III – VII	Power Pop	Empowered/Driving
Tears in Heaven	A Major	I - V/I - vi - IV	Acoustic	Fragile/Tender
Teenage Dream	Bb Major	I - V - vi – IV	Dream Pop	Nostalgic/Euphoric
Thinking Out Loud	D Major	I - I/iii - IV - V	Blue-Eyed Soul	Romantic/Swaying
This Love	C Minor	i - iv – bVII	Pop-Funk	Sharp/Staccato
A Thousand Years	Bb Major	I - V - vi - IV	Cinematic Pop	Eternal/Triple-time
Till the World Ends	C Minor	i - VI - III – VII	Euro-Dance	Hypnotic/High
Uptown Funk	D Minor	i7 - IV7 (Vamp)	Funk	Syncopated/Groovy
Viva La Vida	Ab Major	IV - V - I – vi	Baroque Pop	Grand/Orchestral
Waiting on the World...	D Major	I - vi - IV - I	Pop-Rock	Laid-back/Bluesy
We Belong Together	C Major	I - iii - vi – IV	R&B	Melismatic/Pleading
We Can't Stop	E Major	I - iii - vi - IV	Mid-tempo Pop	Drowsy/Party-like
We Found Love	F# Major	vi - IV - I – V	EDM Pop	High-Energy/Cyclic
What Makes You Beautiful	E Major	I - IV - V	Boy-Band Pop	Bouncy/Bright
When You Say Nothing...	G Major	I - V - IV – V	Country Ballad	Sincere/Soft
Yeah!	G Minor	i (Riff-based)	Crunk R&B	Aggressive/Rhythmic
You Raise Me Up	Eb Major	I - IV - I – V	Hymn-like	Majestic/Rising
You Were Meant for Me	C Major	I - IV - V	Folk-Pop	Mundane/Conversational
You're Beautiful	Eb Major	I - V - vi – IV	Folk-Pop	Nasal/Observational
You're Still the One	Eb Major	I - IV - V	Country Crossover	Warm/Defiant
You've Got a Friend...	Eb Major	I - V7 (Bluesy)	Ragtime/Toy	Playful/Bouncy

Musical Insight: The "Mixolydian" Rock Feel

Several songs here (like Believe, Drops of Jupiter, and Something to Talk About) use the $bVII$ chord (the flat-seven).

• In the key of C, this is a Bb Major chord.
• Using this chord instead of a regular $V$ chord gives the song a "cooler," more bluesy/rock edge that isn't as "final" sounding as a traditional classical ending.

 

 

This final list covers the most iconic holiday standards and carols. Since many of these originated as hymns or jazz standards, I’ve simplified the chord progressions into "easy-play" versions (functional I-IV-V) while preserving the character of the melody.

The Ultimate Holiday Song Reference Guide

Song Title	Key Signature	Easy Chord Progression (Core)	Harmony Type	Melody Type
All I Want for Christmas	G Major	I - I/iii - IV - iv	60s Wall of Sound	Wide/Melismatic
Angels from the Realms	C Major	I - IV - V – I	Traditional Hymn	Majestic/Stepwise
Angels We Have Heard	F Major	I - V - I (Chorus: V-vi-IV-V)	Traditional Hymn	Melismatic (Gloria)
As Long as There's...	Eb Major	I - vi - IV - V	Disney Ballad	Lyrical/Sweet
Auld Lang Syne	F Major	I - V - vi – IV	Folk Ballad	Pentatonic/Anthemic
Away in a Manger (Mur.)	F Major	I - IV - I - V	Lullaby	Gentle/Stepwise
Away in a Manger (Spil.)	G Major	I - IV – V	Flowing Lullaby	Arched/Smooth
Baby, It's Cold Outside	C Major	I - vi - ii - V	Jazz Standard	Call-and-Response
Because It's Christmas	Bb Major	I - vi - IV – V	Adult Contemp.	Sentimental
Believe (Polar Express)	C Major	I - V - vi - IV	Power Ballad	Soaring/Inspirational
Bells of St. Mary's	F Major	I - V7 – I	Traditional Pop	Chime-like/Steady
Blue Christmas	E Major	I - I7 - V - I	Country-Shuffle	Crooning/Twangy
Brazilian Sleigh Bells	C Major	I - ii - V7	Latin/Samba	Percussive/Brass
Caroling, Caroling	Bb Major	I - V - I	Upbeat Choral	Staccato/Bouncy
A Child Is Born	Bb Major	Imaj7 - iim7 - V7	Jazz Waltz	Airy/Sophisticated
The Chipmunk Song	C Major	I - V7 - I (Waltz)	Novelty Waltz	High-pitched/Simple
Christmas (Baby Please)	Eb Major	I - vi - IV - V	Rock & Roll	High-Energy/Soul
Christmas in Killarney	G Major	I - IV – V	Irish Jig	Lilting/Rhythmic
Christmas Is A-Comin'	F Major	I - IV - V	Calypso	Synopated/Cheerful
The Christmas Song	C Major	I - iim7 - iiim7 – IV	Jazz Standard	Sophisticated/Warm
Christmas Time Is Here	F Major	Imaj7 - iim7 (Vamp)	Cool Jazz	Melancholic/Low
The Christmas Waltz	F Major	I - ii7 - V7 (Waltz)	Traditional Pop	Flowing/Arched
Cold December Night	Bb Major	I - IV - V	Modern Pop	Rhythmic/Bright
Dance of the Sugar Plum	E Minor	i - V7 – i	Classical	Delicate/Staccato
Deck the Hall	F Major	I - V - I	Traditional Folk	Repetitive/Fast
Do You Hear What I Hear	C Major	I - bVII – I	Modal Folk	Rhythmic/Anthemic
Do You Want to Build...	Eb Major	I - V - vi - IV	Showtune	Conversational
Fairytale of New York	D Major	I - IV – V	Irish Folk-Rock	Narrative/Rough
Feliz Navidad	I Major	IV - V - I	Latin Pop	Repetitive/Catchy
The First Noel	D Major	I - V - IV – I	Traditional Folk	Triple-meter/Rising
God Rest Ye Merry...	E Minor	i - VI - i - V	Minor Folk	Driving/Serious
Good King Wenceslas	G Major	I - IV - V – I	Traditional Folk	Sturdy/March-like
Grandma Got Run Over	E Major	I - IV - V	Novelty Country	Bouncy/Humorous
The Greatest Gift of All	A Major	I - IV – V	Country Ballad	Sincere/Soft
Grown-Up Christmas List	C Major	I - IV - vi - V	Pop Ballad	Earnest/Expansive
Happy Holiday	F Major	I - vi - ii – V	Swing	Upbeat/Bright
Happy Xmas (War Is Over)	A Major	I - ii - V - I	Folk Anthem	Swaying/Choral
Hard Candy Christmas	D Major	I - IV – V	Country Ballad	Resilient/Linear
Hark! The Herald Angels	G Major	I - V - I - IV	Traditional Hymn	Triumphant/Bold
Have Yourself a Merry...	G Major	I - vi - ii – V	Jazz Standard	Intimate/Arched
Here Comes Santa Claus	C Major	I - V7 - I	Western Swing	Trotting/Cheerful
A Holly Jolly Christmas	C Major	I - IV – V	Traditional Pop	Bouncy/Simple
Home for the Holidays	C Major	I - vi - ii - V	Traditional Pop	Skipping/Linear
I Heard the Bells (Cal.)	Eb Major	I - IV - V – I	Traditional Hymn	Steady/Stately
I Heard the Bells (Mar.)	Bb Major	I - IV - V	Mid-century Pop	Warm/Rising
I Saw Mommy Kissing...	C Major	I - vi - ii – V	Novelty Pop	Playful/Innocent
I Saw Three Ships	G Major	I - IV - V (6/8)	Traditional Jig	Dancing/Joyful
I Want a Hippo...	G Major	I - V7 – I	Novelty Jazz	Quirky/Bouncy
I Wonder as I Wander	F# Minor	i - iv - i	Appalachian Folk	Haunting/Solitary
I'll Be Home for Xmas	C Major	I - iiim7 - bIII7 - iim7	Jazz Standard	Nostalgic/Slow
I've Got My Love...	F Major	I - vi - ii - V	Jazz Standard	Swing/Cool
It Came Upon a Midnight	Bb Major	I - IV - V (6/8)	Traditional Hymn	Flowing/Pastorale
It Must Have Been...	G Major	I - IV - V	Contemporary Pop	Sweet/Soft
Beginning to Look Like	G Major	I - IV - V – I	Traditional Pop	Descriptive/Linear
Jingle Bells	G Major	I - IV - I - V	Traditional Folk	Fast/Repetitive
Joy to the World	D Major	I - IV - V – I	Traditional Hymn	Descending Scale
Last Month of the Year	G Major	I - IV - I	Spiritual/Gospel	Syncopated/Shouted
Let It Snow!	F Major	I - ii - V – I	Swing	Cozy/Playful
Little Saint Nick	G Major	I - vi - IV - V	Surf Rock	Harmonized/Fast
March of the Toys	C Minor	i - V – i	Operetta March	Rhythmic/Crisp
A Marshmallow World	C Major	I - vi - ii - V	Traditional Pop	Light/Sweet
Mary, Did You Know?	D Minor	i - VII - VI – V	Contemporary	Questioning/Dramatic
Mary's Little Boy Child	Bb Major	I - IV - V	Calypso	Rhythmic/Easy
Mele Kalikimaka	F Major	I - I7 - IV – I	Hawaiian Swing	Tropical/Bright
Merry Christmas, Darling	Bb Major	I - iii - IV - V	Pop Ballad	Breathful/Linear
Mister Santa	Bb Major	I - VI7 - II7 - V7	Barber Shop/Pop	Rapid/Bouncy
Mistletoe and Holly	G Major	I - vi - ii - V	Swing	Warm/Swaying
Wonderful Time of Year	D Major	I - vi - ii – V	Traditional Pop	Energetic/Triple
My Favorite Things	E Minor	i - IV - bVII - bIII	Jazz Waltz	Scalic/Playful
O Christmas Tree	F Major	I - V – I	German Folk	Simple/Stately
O Come, All Ye Faithful	G Major	I - V - I - IV	Traditional Hymn	Inviting/Grand
O Holy Night	C Major	I - IV - I - iii – vi	Classical Anthem	Huge/Arpeggiated
O Little Town of Beth.	G Major	I - IV - V - I	Traditional Hymn	Gentle/Stepwise
Parade of Wooden Soldiers	C Major	I - V – I	March	Staccato/Mechanical
Pretty Paper	C Major	I - V7 – I	Country Waltz	Melancholic/Slow
Rockin' Around the Xmas	Ab Major	I - vi - IV – V	Rockabilly	Twangy/Upbeat
Rudolph	C Major	I - V - I	Children's Pop	Narrative/Simple
Santa Baby	F Major	I - vi - ii – V	Jazz/Burlesque	Sultry/Playful
Santa Claus Is Comin'	C Major	I - IV - I - V	Traditional Pop	Driving/Simple
Shake Me I Rattle	G Major	I - IV – V	Novelty Pop	Childlike/High
Silent Night	Bb Major	I - V - I - IV	Traditional Folk	Gentle/Peaceful
Silver and Gold	G Major	I - IV – V	Traditional Pop	Simple/Folk-like
Silver Bells	C Major	I - IV - V	Traditional Waltz	Rhythmic/Linear
Sing We Now of Xmas	G Minor	i - iv - i – V	French Folk	Buoyant/Minor
Somewhere in My Memory	D Major	I - IV - V	Cinematic	Nostalgic/Dreamy
The Star Carol	F Major	I - IV – V	Traditional Choral	Bright/Stepwise
That's Christmas to Me	Ab Major	I - IV - V - vi	A Cappella/Pop	Harmonized/Close
This Christmas	F Major	Imaj7 - iim7 - iiim7	Soul/R&B	Groovy/Warm
Toyland	F Major	I - vi - ii - V	Operetta	Innocent/Smooth
Twelve Days of Xmas	F Major	I - IV - V – I	Cumulative Folk	Repetitive/Fast
Up on the Housetop	Eb Major	I - IV - V	Children's Folk	Bouncy/Steady
We Need a Little Xmas	G Major	I - IV – V	Showtune	Galloping/Urgent
We Three Kings	E Minor	i - V - i (Chorus: III)	Minor Waltz	Exotic/Mysterious
We Wish You a Merry...	G Major	I - IV - II - V	Traditional Folk	Boisterous/3/4
We Wish You the Merriest	C Major	I - vi - ii – V	Swing Duet	Hype/Energetic
What Are You Doing NYE?	Bb Major	I - bIII - ii - V	Jazz Standard	Intimate/Yearning
What Child Is This?	E Minor	i - III - VII – i	Minor Folk	Lyrical/Arched
White Christmas	G Major	I - iim7 - V7	Traditional Pop	Nostalgic/Smooth
Wonderful Christmastime	B Major	I - IV – V	Synth-Pop	Bouncy/Repetitive
Wonderful World of Xmas	D Major	I - IV - V	Traditional Pop	Celebratory/Open
You're All I Want...	C Major	I - IV – V	50s Ballad	Sentimental/Slow

 

 

 

 

Holiday Playing Tip:

For many of the older "Standards" (like The Christmas Song or White Christmas), adding a Major 7th to the $I$ chord and a Minor 7th to the $ii$ chord immediately gives it that "jazzy" holiday warmth. For the "Carols" (Silent Night, Joy to the World), keep the chords plain and strong for the best community sing-along feel!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This list covers the magic of Disney, ranging from Golden Age classics to the modern "Disney Renaissance" and beyond. Because many of these songs were written for musical theater or animation, they often feature secondary dominants (chords that briefly sound like they belong to a different key) to create that "magical" Disney sparkle.

Disney & Animated Classics Reference Guide

Song Title	Key Signature	Easy Chord Progression (Core)	Harmony Type	Melody Type
Baby Mine	C Major	I - iii - IV - V7	Lullaby	Gentle/Arched
Ballad of Davy Crockett	G Major	I - IV - V7 - I	Frontier Folk	Narrative/Sturdy
Be Our Guest	Be Major	I - vi - ii – V	Cabaret/Showtune	Rapid/Patter
Bella Notte	C Major	I - vi - IV - V (Waltz)	Neapolitan Waltz	Romantic/Legato
Belle	D Major	I - V - IV – I	Operetta	Conversational
Best of Friends	Eb Major	I - IV - V	Folk Ballad	Sweet/Innocent
Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo	F Major	I - V7 – I	Novelty	Rhythmic/Staccato
Breaking Free	Gb Major	I - V - vi - IV	Teen Pop	Soaring Duet
Candle on the Water	D Major	I - iii - IV – V	70s Pop Ballad	Ethereal/Linear
Chim Chim Cher-ee	C Minor	i - v - i (Waltz)	English Music Hall	Minor/Whimsical
Circle of Life	Bb Major	I - bVII - IV – I	World-Beat Pop	Anthemic/Wide
Cruella De Vil	C Major	I7 - VI7 - II7 - V7	Bluesy Jazz	Snappy/Sly
Days in the Sun	Bb Major	I - IV - V – vi	Contemporary Ballad	Reflective
A Dream Is a Wish...	G Major	I - iii - vi - ii - V	Traditional Pop	Arpeggiated
Evermore	A Major	I - V - vi – IV	Power Ballad	Dramatic/Low-High
Feed the Birds	G Minor	i - iv - V7 - i	Lullaby/Hymn	Somber/Graceful
1st Time in Forever	F Major	I - IV - V – vi	Showtune Pop	Energetic/Fast
Friend Like Me	Bb Minor	i - IV7 - V7	Big Band Jazz	Manic/Chromatic
Gaston	C Major	I - IV - V (6/8)	Tavern Waltz	Boisterous/Robust
Give a Little Whistle	F Major	I - vi - ii - V	Vaudeville	Bright/Skipping
Go the Distance	D Major	I - V - vi – IV	Heroic Ballad	Ascending/Strong
God Help the Outcasts	Bb Major	I - IV - V - vi	Prayer Ballad	Soulful/Vulnerable
Hakuna Matata	C Major	I - IV - I – V	Showtune/Reggae	Laid-back/Bouncy
Happy Working Song	D Major	I - ii - V - I	Pastiche/Novelty	High/Frantic
He's a Pirate	D Minor	i - VI - III – VII	Cinematic Orchestral	Driving/Triple-time
He's a Tramp	Eb Major	I7 - IV7 - V7	Sultry Jazz	Bluesy/Swing
Heigh-Ho	F Major	I - IV – V	Work Song	March-like/Rhythmic
Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee	G Major	I - IV - V	Vaudeville	Jaunty/Bold
How Does a Moment...	C Major	I - IV – V	Folk Ballad	Intimate/Soft
How Far I'll Go	E Major	I - ii - vi - IV	Power Pop	Driven/Syncopated
I Just Can't Wait...	I Major	I - bVII – IV	Bubblegum Pop	Bright/Shouted
I See the Light	C Major	I - V - vi - IV	Folk-Pop Duet	Flowing/Lyrical
I'll Make a Man...	A Minor	i - VI - III – VII	Synth-Rock	Percussive/Strict
I'm Late	C Major	I - V7	Novelty	Fast/Frenetic
I'm Wishing	F Major	I - vi - ii – V	Operatic Pop	Delicate/High
I've Got a Dream	G Major	I - IV - V	Beer-Hall Polka	Rowdy/Rhythmic
I've Got No Strings	Bb Major	I - ii - V – I	Vaudeville	Skipping/Light
If I Can't Love Her	C Minor	i - iv - VI - V	Broadway Power	Intense/Brooding
If I Never Knew You	Bb Major	I - V - vi – IV	90s Pop Duet	Smooth/Sentimental
In Summer	A Major	I - IV - V	Soft Shoe/Jazz	Playful/Comic
It's a Small World	G Major	I - V – I	Children's Song	Repetitive/Simple
Kiss the Girl	C Major	I - IV - V	Calypso/Reggae	Syncopated/Warm
Lava	C Major	I - V - IV – V	Ukulele Folk	Relaxed/Strummed
Lavender Blue	D Major	I - IV - V	Traditional Folk	Sweet/Simple
Let's Go Fly a Kite	Bb Major	I - V7 - I (Waltz)	English Music Hall	Triumphant/Bouncy
Lord Is Good to Me	G Major	I - IV - I - V	Gospel Folk	Humble/Short
Love Is an Open Door	D Major	I - vi - IV – V	Broadway Pop	Chatty/Synchronized
Mickey Mouse March	G Major	I - IV - V	Military March	Rhythmic/Bold
Mother Knows Best	E Minor	i - V7 – i	Gypsy Jazz/Theater	Manipulative/Theatrical
My Funny Friend...	A Major	I - vi - IV - V	R&B Pop	Groovy/Smooth
Part of Your World	F Major	I - IV - V – vi	Theater Ballad	Conversational/Wide
A Pirate's Life	G Major	I - V7 - I	Sea Shanty	Boisterous/Triple
Reflection	G Major	I - ii - IV – V	Identity Ballad	Vulnerable/Arched
Rumbly in My Tumbly	C Major	I - V7	Novelty	Childlike/Puffy
2nd Star to the Right	Eb Major	I - vi - ii – V	Traditional Pop	Dreamy/Smooth
Seize the Day	Bb Major	I - IV - V	Anthemic Rock	Choral/Driving
Siamese Cat Song	C Major	I - bII7 – I	Orientalist Jazz	Slinky/Repetitive
So Close	E Major	I - V - vi - IV	Modern Ballad	Yearning/Fluid
So This Is Love	G Major	I - vi - ii - V (Waltz)	Traditional Waltz	Floating/Soft
Someday My Prince...	F Major	I - III7 - IV - II7	Jazz Waltz	Romantic/Rising
Someday (Hunchback)	Eb Major	I - V - vi - IV	Inspirational	Powerful/Grand
Something There	D Major	I - ii - IV – V	Character Song	Hesitant/Bright
Spoonful of Sugar	G Major	I - V7 - I	Music Hall Pop	Cheerful/Skipping
Supercalifragilistic...	G Major	I - IV - V – I	Cockney Music Hall	Fast/Nonsense
That's How You Know	F Major	I - IV - V	Calypso/Showtune	High-Energy/Sunshine
This Is Me	Ab Major	I - V - vi – IV	Pop Rock	Defiant/Linear
Toyland March	C Major	I - V7 - I	Orchestral March	Staccato/Toy-like
Trashin' the Camp	G Major	I - IV - V (Scat)	Jungle Swing	Percussive/Vocal
True Love's Kiss	D Major	I - vi - IV - V	Classic Disney	Over-the-top/Lush
Unbirthday Song	G Major	I - V7 – I	Novelty Waltz	Erratic/Madcap
We Belong Together	C Major	I - V - vi - IV	Pop Rock	Friendly/Steady
We Know the Way	A Major	I - IV - I – V	Polynesian Folk	Choral/Percussive
We're All in This...	Eb Major	I - IV - V	Bubblegum Pop	Group-led/Punchy
Westward Ho!	F Major	I - IV – V	Western Theme	Heroic/Galloping
Whale of a Tale	C Major	I - IV - V	Sea Shanty	Rough/Boisterous
When I See an Elephant	Bb Major	I - VI7 - II7 - V7	Jazz/Swing	Sassy/Syncopated
When Will My Life...	E Major	I - IV - vi - V	Folk-Pop	Nervous/Rapid
Whistle While You Work	G Major	I - IV – V	Work Song	Light/Cheerful
Who's Afraid...Wolf?	F Major	I - V7 - I	Children's Jazz	Bouncy/Taunting
A Whole New World	D Major	I - ii - V – I	Magic Duet	Soaring/Fluid
Winnie the Pooh	Eb Major	I - vi - ii - V	Lullaby Pop	Friendly/Hugging
Smile and a Song	F Major	I - vi - ii – V	Traditional Pop	Optimistic/Stepwise
Wonderful Thing/Tiggers	C Major	I - V7	Novelty	Bouncy/Elastic
Written in the Stars	D Major	I - vi - IV – V	Adult Contemp.	Grand/Soulful
Yo Ho (Pirate's Life)	Bb Major	I - IV - V	Sea Shanty	Slurred/Rowdy
You Are the Music...	G Major	I - V - vi – IV	Teen Pop	Sentimental/Flowing
You Can Fly!	Eb Major	I - IV - V (Waltz)	Traditional Pop	Upward/Airy
You'll Be in My Heart	Eb Major	I - V - vi – IV	Soft Rock	Protective/Steady
You're Welcome	C Major	I - IV - V	Rap-Pop	Ego-driven/Funky
Zero to Hero	B Major	I - IV7 - V7	Gospel/Soul	High-Energy/Brass
Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah	C Major	I - IV - I - V	Folk-Pop	Sunny/Carefree
Theme from Zorro	G Minor	i - iv - V7	Spanish Action	Dashing/Sharp

 

Musical Tip: The "Disney Turn"

Many of the songs above (like When I See an Elephant Fly or Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah) use the Circle of Fifths "turnaround."

• This is the $I - VI - II - V$ progression.
• In the key of C, that is C - A7 - D7 - G7.
• Using those major-flavored dominant 7th chords instead of minor chords gives the music that specific "Hollywood Golden Age" flavor that feels like a hug.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since you're looking for "easy" versions of these classical masterpieces, I’ve translated their complex orchestral structures into standard guitar/piano-friendly key signatures and basic functional chord movements.

For many of these, the "Easy Chord Progression" reflects the famous Main Theme rather than the entire movement.

Classical & Operatic Masterpieces Reference Guide

Song Title	Key Signature	Easy Chord Progression (Core)	Harmony Type	Melody Type
1812 Overture	Eb Major	I - V - I - IV – V	Triumphant/Heroic	Bold/Brass-led
Air (Water Music)	F Major	I - V - vi - IV	Baroque Stately	Flowing/Legato
Air on the G String	D Major	I - vi/I - IV – V	Baroque/Sustained	Stepwise/Low
Andante Cantabile	Bb Major	I - IV - V - I	Romantic Lyrical	Vocal/Sighing
Arioso (Bach)	G Major	I - iii - IV – V	Baroque/Sincere	Continuous/Fluid
Ave Maria (Bach/Gounod)	C Major	I - ii7 - V7 - I	Arpeggiated	Long/Sustained
Ave Maria (Schubert)	Bb Major	I - vi - ii – V	Romantic Prayer	Soaring/Wide
Ave Verum Corpus	D Major	I - V - IV - I	Choral/Sublime	Quiet/Stepwise
Badinerie	B Minor	i - iv - V7 – i	Playful/Agile	Rapid/Staccato
Barcarolle	D Major	I - IV - V (6/8)	Swaying/Boat-song	Harmonic/Lulling
Bist du bei mir	Eb Major	I - V - vi – ii	Intimate/Devout	Gentle/Arched
Blue Danube Waltz	D Major	I - V7 - I	Strauss Waltz	Arpeggiated/Bouncy
Bourrée in E Minor	E Minor	i - III - VI – V	Baroque Dance	Rhythmic/Counterpoint
Brandenburg No. 3	G Major	I - IV - V - I	Energetic Baroque	Rapid/Motoric
Bridal Chorus	Bb Major	I - IV - V – I	Ceremonial	Stately/Dotted
Can Can	D Major	I - V7 - I	Frantic/Gallop	Fast/Repetitive
Canon in D	D Major	I - V - vi - iii - IV - I - IV – V	Ground Bass	Cyclic/Expanding
Caro mio ben	Eb Major	I - ii - V7 - I	Italian Arietta	Graceful/Lyrical
Clair de lune	Db Major	I - IV - I – V	Impressionist	Ethereal/Dreamy
Dance of the Hours	E Major	I - V - I	Whimsical/Ballet	Bouncy/Light
Dance of Reed-Flutes	D Major	I - vi - IV – V	Delicate/Piping	Trilling/Stepwise
Dance of the Spirits	F Major	I - iii - IV - V	Ethereal/Graceful	Floating/Flute-led
Eine kleine... (1st)	G Major	I - V - I - IV – V	Classical/Bright	Arpeggiated/Bold
Evening Prayer	D Major	I - IV - V - vi	Lush/Childlike	Gentle/Peaceful
Flight of Bumblebee	A Minor	i (Chromatic)	Frantic/Buzzing	Rapid Chromatic
Flower Duet	B Major	I - vi - IV - V (6/8)	Operatic Bliss	Intertwined/Sweet
Funeral March	Bb Minor	i - VI - i - V	Somber/Heavy	Slow/Dotted
Funeral of a Marionette	D Minor	i - V7 – i	Quirky/Staccato	Sneaky/Bouncy
Für Elise	A Minor	i - V7 - i	Romantic/Intimate	Cyclic/Thematic
Great Gate of Kiev	Eb Major	I - IV - V – I	Majestic/Broad	Bold/Chordal
Gymnopédie No. 1	D Major	Imaj7 - IVmaj7	Minimalist	Weightless/Airy
Habanera (Carmen)	D Minor	i - V7 (Descending)	Spanish/Sultry	Chromatic/Slinky
Hallelujah Chorus	D Major	I - IV - V – I	Triumphant	Triumphant/Choral
The Happy Farmer	F Major	I - IV - V - I	Playful/Bouncy	Rustic/Cheerful
Harmonious Blacksmith	E Major	I - IV - V – I	Baroque/Ordered	Measured/Developing
Hornpipe (Handel)	D Major	I - IV - V - I (3/2)	Nautical/Lively	Syncopated/Bold
Hungarian Dance No. 5	G Minor	i - V7 - VI – III	Gypsy Folk	Erratic/Energetic
Hall of Mountain King	B Minor	i - v - i	Accelerating	Creeping/Urgent
Intermezzo (Mascagni)	F Major	I - IV - I – V	Lush/Operatic	Soaring/Legato
Jerusalem	D Major	I - V - vi - IV	Patriotic/Hymn	Noble/Rising
Jesu, Joy of...	G Major	I - ii - V - I (9/8)	Pastoral/Flowing	Triplet-based
Largo (Handel)	F Major	I - IV - V - vi	Solemn/Stately	Broad/Noble
Laudate Dominum	F Major	I - V - vi – IV	Sacred/Luminous	Smooth/Floating
Liebestraum	Ab Major	I - vi - ii - V	Romantic/Lush	Arpeggiated/Rich
Lullaby (Brahms)	Eb Major	I - V – I	Gentle/Sleepy	Arched/Soft
March (Nutcracker)	G Major	I - V - I	Crisp/Miniature	Staccato/Brass-like
Marche Slave	Bb Minor	i - iv - V7	Patriotic/Dark	Folk-inspired
Melody in F	F Major	I - ii - V - I	Romantic/Flowing	Linear/Song-like
Minuet (Boccherini)	A Major	I - V – I	Polite/Courtly	Trilling/Light
Minuet in G (Bach)	G Major	I - IV - V - I	Baroque Dance	Bouncy/Stepwise
Morning (Grieg)	E Major	I - IV - I (6/8)	Pastoral/Bright	Pentatonic/Arched
Ode to Joy	D Major	I - V - vi - IV	Universal/Hymn	Symmetric/Bold
Panis Angelicus	A Major	I - V - vi – IV	Sacred/Solemn	Rising/Arched
Pathétique (2nd Mvt)	Ab Major	I - vi - ii - V	Profound/Lush	Calm/Songful
Pavane (Fauré)	F# Minor	i - iv - VII – III	Elegant/Mournful	Flowing/Modal
Piano Concerto (Grieg)	A Minor	i - iv - V - i	Dramatic/Epic	Falling Arpeggio
Piano Concerto No. 21	F Major	I - iii - IV – V	Dreamy/Classical	Floating/Legato
Sonata in C (Mozart)	C Major	I - IV - V - I	Pure/Classical	Scalic/Rapid
Pie Jesu (Fauré)	Bb Major	I - IV – V	Sacred/Ethereal	Innocent/Stepwise
Polovetzian Dance	A Major	I - vi - IV - V	Exotic/Lush	Sinuous/Arched
Pomp & Circumstance	D Major	I - V - vi – IV	Noble/March	Broad/Majestic
Prelude in A (Chopin)	A Major	I - V - I	Brief/Delicate	Rhythmic/Soft
Romeo & Juliet Theme	Db Major	I - IV - vi – V	Grand Romance	Soaring/Climactic
Rondeau (Mouret)	D Major	I - IV - V - I	Regal Fanfare	Bold/Brass-led
Rondo Alla Turca	A Minor	i - V7 - i (Chorus: I)	Exotic/March	Rapid/Ornamented
Sheep May Safely Graze	Bb Major	I - IV - V - I	Pastoral/Baroque	Parallel/Flowing
Siciliano (Bach)	G Minor	i - iv - V7 (6/8)	Gentle/Swaying	Lyrical/Dotted
Sinfonia (Bach)	G Major	I - IV - V - I	Pastoral/Quiet	Flowing/Legato
Skaters Waltz	A Major	I - V – I	Winter/Fluid	Circular/Waltz
Sleepers, Awake	Eb Major	I - IV - V – I	Chorale/Stately	Robust/Melodic
Sorcerer's Apprentice	F Minor	i - V7 - i	Magical/Frenetic	Erratic/Rising
Spinning Song	C Major	I - V – I	Constant Motion	Rapid/Circular
Spring (Vivaldi)	E Major	I - V - I	Bright/Nature	Trilling/Repeated
Surprise Symphony	C Major	I - V – I	Playful/Classical	Simple/Staccato
Swan Lake Theme	B Minor	i - iv - i	Tragic/Haunting	Minor/Oboe-led
Symphony No. 1 (Brahms)	C Major	I - V - vi – IV	Noble/Chorale	Broad/Stepwise
Symphony No. 5 (Beet.)	C Minor	i (Fate Motif)	Urgent/Dramatic	Four-note Motif
Symphony No. 7 (Beet.)	A Minor	i - V – i	Rhythmic/Solemn	Persistent/Quiet
Symphony No. 9 (Dvorak)	E Minor	i - VI - III – VII	Nostalgic/Folk	Pentatonic/Sweet
Symphony No. 40 (Moz.)	G Minor	i - VI - V7 - i	Tragic/Agitated	Sighing/Falling
Tales from Vienna Woods	F Major	I - V – I	Rustic Waltz	Lyrical/Swaying
To a Wild Rose	A Major	I - IV - V - I	Gentle/Simple	Delicate/Stepwise
Toreador Song	F Major	I - V – I	Bold/Swaggering	Robust/Arched
Träumerei	F Major	I - ii - V - I	Dreamy/Reflective	Rising/Sighing
Trumpet Voluntary	D Major	I - IV - V – I	Regal/Ceremonial	Fanfare/Bold
Unfinished Symphony	B Minor	i - III - VI - V	Yearning/Dark	Linear/Sorrowful
Waltz in C# Minor	C# Minor	i - V7 – i	Elegant/Poetic	Rapid/Whirling
Waltz of the Flowers	D Major	I - IV - V	Grand/Floral	Sweeping/Graceful
Wedding March (Mend.)	C Major	I - IV - V – I	Triumphant	Triumphant/Bold
Where'er You Walk	Bb Major	I - vi - ii - V	Pastoral/Baroque	Elegant/Linear
The Wild Horseman	A Minor	i - V7 – i	Energetic/Gallop	Fast/Staccato
William Tell Overture	E Major	I - V - I	Galop/Heroic	Rapid/Repeated
Winter (Vivaldi)	Eb Major	I - vi - IV – V	Crisp/Peaceful	Lyrical/Cold

 

Performer's Note:

Since you are a violin teacher, you'll recognize that many of these Baroque pieces (Bach, Vivaldi, Handel) rely heavily on functional harmony. For an "easy" feel, stick to the I, IV, \text{ and } V chords. For the Romantic era pieces (Tchaikovsky, Chopin), adding the vi chord (the relative minor) is what provides that emotional "tug" your students will love.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This final list brings us into the world of Broadway and the Great American Songbook. Musical theater often uses Key Changes (Modulations) and Secondary Dominants to heighten the drama, but for these "easy" versions, I've focused on the primary key and core harmonic structure.

Broadway & Stage Classics Reference Guide

Song Title	Key Signature	Easy Chord Progression (Core)	Harmony Type	Melody Type
All I Ask of You	Db Major	I - IV - V - vi	Romantic Duet	Lyrical/Arched
Any Dream Will Do	C Major	I - V - IV – I	Folk-Pop	Simple/Sing-along
Anything You Can Do	Bb Major	I - V7 - I	Vaudeville	Conversational/Patter
As If We Never Said...	Bb Major	I - vi - ii – V	Dramatic Aria	Grand/Sweeping
As Long as He Needs Me	C Major	I - vi - ii - V	Torch Song	Emotional/Broad
Bali Ha'i	Eb Major	I - bVII - I	Mystical/Exotic	Atmospheric/Sliding
Baubles, Bangles...	G Major	Imaj7 - iim7 - V7	Jazz Waltz	Sophisticated/Light
Brotherhood of Man	C Major	I - IV - V	Gospel/Swing	Boisterous/Rhythmic
Cabaret	Eb Major	I - vi - ii – V	Kander & Ebb Jazz	Brass-led/Bold
Can't Take My Eyes...	E Major	I - Imaj7 - I7 - IV	60s Pop	Rising/Anthemic
Circle of Life	Bb Major	I - bVII - IV – I	World-Beat Pop	Expansive
Climb Ev'ry Mountain	C Major	I - iii - IV - V	Inspirational	High-Register/Anthem
Close Every Door	A Minor	i - iv - V7 – i	Melodramatic	Intense/Minor
Dancing Queen	A Major	I - IV - vi - V	Disco-Pop	Euphoric/Rhythmic
Defying Gravity	Db Major	I - V - vi – IV	Modern Power Ballad	Tense to Triumphant
Do-Re-Mi	C Major	I - ii - V - I	Educational	Scalic/Sequential
Do You Hear the People...	F Major	I - IV - V – I	March	Sturdy/Revolutionary
Don't Cry for Me Arg.	C Major	I - vi - IV - V	Latin-influenced	Poignant/Melodic
Easter Parade	Bb Major	I - vi - ii – V	Irving Berlin Pop	Walking/Graceful
Edelweiss	Bb Major	I - V - I - IV	Folk Waltz	Simple/Lullaby
Everything's Alright	E Major	I - IV - bVII - I (5/4 time)	Rock Opera	Syncopated/Odd-meter
A Foggy Day	F Major	I - vi - ii - V	Gershwin Jazz	Atmospheric
Friend Like Me	Bb Minor	i - IV7 - V7	Big Band	Manic/Chromatic
Getting to Know You	G Major	I - vi - ii - V	Traditional Pop	Bouncy/Linear
Guys and Dolls	C Major	I - IV – V	Street Jazz	Punchy/Playful
Hello, Dolly!	Bb Major	I - vi - ii - V	Traditional Swing	Robust/Descending
Home (The Wiz)	G Major	I - iii - IV – V	Soul Ballad	Emotional/Wide
How Are Things in Glocca	G Major	I - IV - V	Irish-style Pop	Whimsical/Soft
I Believe in You	Eb Major	I - vi - ii – V	Mid-century Pop	Confident/Light
I Don't Know How to...	D Major	I - IV - V	70s Soft Rock	Vulnerable/Linear
I Dreamed a Dream	Eb Major	I - V - vi – IV	Dramatic Ballad	Descending/Sad
I Got Plenty o' Nuttin'	G Major	I - IV - V	Folk-Opera	Gritty/Rhythmic
I Whistle a Happy Tune	Bb Major	I - V7 – I	Jaunty Pop	Whistle-like/Bright
I've Never Been in Love	Bb Major	I - vi - ii - V	Romantic Standard	Smooth/Sophisticated
If I Loved You	C Major	I - IV - ii – V	Operetta Ballad	Yearning/Sustained
If I Were a Bell	F Major	I - vi - ii - V	Bright Swing	Bell-like/Skipping
If I Were a Rich Man	C Minor	i - iv - V7	Klezmer-influenced	Robust/Grotesque
Impossible Dream	Bb Major	I - IV - V - vi	Heroic Anthem	Rising/Resolute
It Ain't Necessarily So	G Minor	i - IV7 - V7	Blues/Jazz	Slinky/Sarcastic
The Lady Is a Tramp	C Major	I - vi - ii - V	Rodgers & Hart Jazz	Sassy/Fast
Last Night of the World	D Major	I - IV – V	80s Power Duet	Sax-like/Sultry
Let's Call the Whole...	G Major	I - vi - ii - V	Gershwin Patter	Conversational
Love Is Here to Stay	F Major	I - vi - ii – V	Gershwin Standard	Tender/Linear
Love Me or Leave Me	G Minor	i - V7 - i	Torch Jazz	Bluesy/Dark
Love Walked In	Eb Major	I - IV – V	Classic Standard	Smooth/Graceful
Luck Be a Lady	Db Major	i - V7 - i	Swing Jazz	Bold/Rhythmic
Makin' Whoopee!	G Major	I - VI7 - II7 - V7	Vaudeville Jazz	Playful/Sly
Mame	Bb Major	I - vi - ii - V	Showtune Anthem	Brassy/Confident
Mamma Mia	D Major	I - V - vi – IV	Euro-Pop	Staccato/Hooky
Matchmaker	F Major	I - V7 - I (Waltz)	Folk Waltz	Spiraling/Bouncy
Maybe (Annie)	F Major	I - vi - ii – V	Child's Ballad	Hopeful/Simple
Memory	Bb Major	I - vi - IV - V	Dramatic Ballad	Soaring/Linear
Music of the Night	Db Major	I - IV - V – I	Gothic Ballad	Hypnotic/Fluid
My Favorite Things	E Minor	i - IV - bVII - bIII	Jazz Waltz	Scalic/Sequential
Nice Work If You Can...	G Major	I - vi - ii – V	Gershwin Swing	Clever/Linear
Oh, What a Beautiful...	Eb Major	I - IV - I - V	Pastoral Waltz	Expansive/Open
Oklahoma	G Major	I - IV - V – I	Frontier Anthem	Triumphant/Bold
Ol' Man River	C Major	I - vi - IV - I	Operatic Anthem	Deep/Heavy
Old Devil Moon	F Major	I - bVII – I	Bop Jazz	Slinky/Syncopated
On My Own	D Major	I - V - vi - IV	Solitary Ballad	Intimate/Sad
Once in a Lifetime	G Major	I - IV – V	Mod-Pop	Sincere/Soft
Once in Love with Amy	F Major	I - IV - V	Soft Shoe	Light/Skipping
One (A Chorus Line)	Bb Major	I - V7 (Vamp)	Vaudeville/Kickline	Rhythmic/Uniform
People Will Say We're...	C Major	I - IV - ii - V	Romantic Duet	Playful/Smooth
Phantom of the Opera	D Minor	i - VI – VII	Rock-Opera Gothic	Chromatic/Intense
Popular	C Major	I - IV - V	Character Song	Bubbling/Patter
Seasons of Love	Bb Major	I - V - vi – IV	Gospel-Pop	Rhythmic/Soulful
Send in the Clowns	Eb Major	I - I/V - IV (9/8 \rightarrow 12/8)	Sondheim Waltz	Breathful/Nuanced
76 Trombones	Eb Major	I - IV - V	Military March	Brassy/Bold
Shall We Dance?	Bb Major	I - V7 – I	Polka	Fast/Whirling
She Loves Me	G Major	I - vi - ii - V	Jubilant Pop	Fast/Ecstatic
Sherry	C Major	I - vi - IV – V	Doo-Wop	High Falsetto
Some Enchanted Evening	C Major	I - vi - IV - V	Legit Ballad	Noble/Arched
Summertime	A Minor	i - iv – i	Bluesy Lullaby	Sinuous/Dark
Sunrise, Sunset	G Minor	i - iv - V7 (Waltz)	Folk/Yiddish	Melancholic/Triple
Superstar	D Major	I - bVII - IV – I	70s Rock	Gritty/Anthemic
Surrey with the Fringe	G Major	I - V7 - I	Patter Waltz	Trotting/Light
The Sweetest Sounds	C Major	I - IV - I – V	Soft Pop	Gentle/Melancholy
No Business Like Show...	Bb Major	I - IV - V - I	Showbiz Anthem	Triumphant/Brassy
They All Laughed	G Major	I - vi - ii – V	Gershwin Patter	Clever/Fast
They Can't Take That...	Eb Major	I - vi - ii - V	Gershwin Ballad	Smooth/Steady
Think of Me	D Major	I - iii - IV – V	Cadenza Aria	Delicate/Soaring
This Is the Moment	G Major	I - V - vi - IV	Power Ballad	Rising/Heroic
This Nearly Was Mine	G Major	I - IV - V (Waltz)	Regret Ballad	Solemn/Triple
Till There Was You	Eb Major	I - iii - IV - iv	Romantic Ballad	Sincere/Lyrical
Tomorrow	F Major	I - vi - IV – V	Inspirational	Resilient/Rising
Unusual Way	D Major	I - IV – V	Contemporary Aria	Vulnerable/Deep
Walk Like a Man	Bb Major	I - bVII - IV	60s Pop	Staccato/Falsetto
What I Did for Love	Bb Major	I - iii - IV – V	Theatre Ballad	Reflective/Steady
What Kind of Fool Am I?	C Major	I - vi - ii - V	Soulful Ballad	Questioning/Powerful
Where Is Love?	G Major	I - vi - ii – V	Child's Ballad	Lonely/Soft
Who Can I Turn To	Eb Major	I - vi - ii - V	R&B Ballad	Pleading/Broad
Will You Love Me...	C Major	I - vi - IV – V	60s Girl Group	Sincere/Melodic
With One Look	Bb Major	I - IV - V - vi	Silent-Film Aria	Grand/Dramatic
Written in the Stars	D Major	I - vi - IV – V	Contemporary Duet	Pop-driven/Steady
You Rule My World	C Major	I - IV - V	Soul Ballad	Heartfelt/Open
You'll Never Walk Alone	C Major	I - V - IV – V	Inspirational	Grand/Choral
You've Got a Friend	A Major	I - vi - IV - V	Piano-Folk	Warm/Supportive
Younger Than Springtime	F Major	I - iii - IV – V	Legit Ballad	Youthful/Rising

Teacher's Technical Note

Since your current work involves Violin Mastery and Music Theory HTML apps, these charts are a great way to teach students about Harmonic Function.

• I (Tonic): Home base.
• IV and ii (Subdominant): Moving away from home.
• V (Dominant): The tension that wants to return home.

Applying this "Easy Chord" logic helps students hear the structure of a song before they get bogged down in the complex fingerings of the violin repertoire!