I–IV–I–V in C Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

This compact four-bar pattern shuttles between the three primary blues chords, returning to I in the middle. It works as a simplified blues form and appears as a turnaround in longer blues structures.

Song Examples

Mannish Boy — Muddy Waters
I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man — Muddy Waters

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