I–IV–V–IV in C Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

This progression bounces between the three primary major chords, peaking on V and settling back on IV. It creates an energetic, anthemic loop perfect for choruses and singalongs.

Song Examples

Free Fallin' — Tom Petty
Born to Run — Bruce Springsteen

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