Midwest Emo (Never Meant)

IV → V → vi → I

Position
F chord diagramGuitar chord fingering for F: string 6: fret 1, string 5: fret 3, string 4: fret 3, string 3: fret 2, string 2: fret 1, string 1: fret 1F
G chord diagramGuitar chord fingering for G: string 6: fret 3, string 5: fret 2, string 4: open, string 3: open, string 2: open, string 1: fret 3G
Am chord diagramGuitar chord fingering for Am: string 6: muted, string 5: open, string 4: fret 2, string 3: fret 2, string 2: fret 1, string 1: open×Am
C chord diagramGuitar chord fingering for C: string 6: muted, string 5: fret 3, string 4: fret 2, string 3: open, string 2: fret 1, string 1: open×C
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About

The twinkly, arpeggiated F-G-Am-C progression that defines midwest emo. American Football pioneered this sound with open tunings (FACGCE) and intricate fingerpicking that creates a nostalgic, dreamy atmosphere.

Songs using this progression

  • Never Meant — American Football
  • Honestly? — American Football
  • The Summer Ends — American Football
EmoMidwest EmoMath Rockemotionalnostalgicdreamymelancholic

Related progressions

Shoegaze Dreamy (When the Sun Hits)
I → iii → IV → V
ShoegazeDream Pop
Post-Rock Ambient (Your Hand in Mine)
IV → I → V → vi
Post-RockAmbient