I–I–I–I–IV–IV–I–I–V–IV–I–V in C Major

Pattern: I – I – I – I – IV – IV – I – I – V – IV – I – V Chords: C – C – C – C – F – F – C – C – G – F – C – G

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	C (details)	major	Tonic
I	C (details)	major	Tonic
I	C (details)	major	Tonic
I	C (details)	major	Tonic
IV	F (details)	major	Subdominant
IV	F (details)	major	Subdominant
I	C (details)	major	Tonic
I	C (details)	major	Tonic
V	G (details)	major	Dominant
IV	F (details)	major	Subdominant
I	C (details)	major	Tonic
V	G (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through C (Tonic) → C (Tonic) → C (Tonic) → C (Tonic) → F (Subdominant) → F (Subdominant) → C (Tonic) → C (Tonic) → G (Dominant) → F (Subdominant) → C (Tonic) → G (Dominant).

The 12-bar blues is the most iconic chord progression in American music. This 12-measure form built on the I, IV, and V chords has been the foundation of blues, rock and roll, and jazz for over a century.

Song Examples

Sweet Home Chicago — Robert Johnson
Hound Dog — Elvis Presley
Rock Around the Clock — Bill Haley & His Comets

Chord Details

C F G

More Progressions in C Major

I–IV–V–I I–V–vi–IV I–vi–IV–V ii–V–I I–IV–V I–♭VII–IV vi–IV–I–V I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V I–IV I–V IV–V IV–I