I–IV–V–IV in G Major

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

Chord Breakdown

NumeralChordTypeFunction
I G (details) major Tonic
IV C (details) major Subdominant
V D (details) major Dominant
IV C (details) major Subdominant

Harmonic Analysis

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

This four-bar loop cycles through the three primary blues chords in a symmetrical pattern. The ascending motion to V and descent back to IV creates a rocking, cyclical groove used extensively in blues rock.

Song Examples

Chord Details

More Progressions in G Major