I–IV–V–I

The I–IV–V–I progression is one of the most fundamental harmonic patterns in Western music. It establishes a key through subdominant and dominant motion before resolving home, creating a satisfying sense of closure. This cadential pattern has been the backbone of hymns, folk songs, and pop hits for centuries.

Pattern: I – IV – V – I Example in C Major: C – F – G – C

Genre: classical, pop, rock, folk Difficulty: beginner

Choose a Key

C Major C – F – G – C G Major G – C – D – G D Major D – G – A – D A Major A – D – E – A E Major E – A – B – E B Major B – E – F♯ – B F♯ Major F♯ – B – C♯ – F♯ F Major F – B♭ – C – F B♭ Major B♭ – E♭ – F – B♭ E♭ Major E♭ – A♭ – B♭ – E♭ A♭ Major A♭ – D♭ – E♭ – A♭ D♭ Major D♭ – G♭ – A♭ – D♭

Song Examples

Twist and Shout, The Beatles
Wild Thing, The Troggs
La Bamba, Ritchie Valens

Related Progressions

I–IV–V–major I–V–vi–IV