I–III–IV–iv in G Major

Pattern: I – III – IV – iv   Chords: G – B – C – Cm

Chord Breakdown

NumeralChordTypeFunction
I G (details) major Tonic
III B (details) major Mediant
IV C (details) major Subdominant
iv Cm (details) minor Subdominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through G (Tonic) → B (Mediant) → C (Subdominant) → Cm (Subdominant).

The I–III–IV–iv progression features a chromatic ascent from I to IV via a secondary dominant III, then darkens with a borrowed minor iv. The III chord (V/vi) adds unexpected brightness while the iv creates a ♭ittersweet descent. This pattern appears in classic rock and singer-songwriter music.

Song Examples

Chord Details

More Progressions in G Major