I–IV–V–iii–vi

A Classical-era progression that begins with a standard cadential setup but diverts through iii to vi, creating a deceptive resolution followed by a mediant color. This technique extends harmonic journeys in sonata and rondo forms.

Pattern: I – IV – V – iii – vi   Example in C Major: C – F – G – Em – Am

Genre: classical   Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

C Major C – F – G – Em – Am G Major G – C – D – Bm – Em D Major D – G – A – F♯m – Bm A Major A – D – E – C♯m – F♯m E Major E – A – B – G♯m – C♯m B Major B – E – F♯ – D♯m – G♯m F♯ Major F♯ – B – C♯ – A♯m – D♯m F Major F – B♭ – C – Am – Dm B♭ Major B♭ – E♭ – F – Dm – Gm E♭ Major E♭ – A♭ – B♭ – Gm – Cm A♭ Major A♭ – D♭ – E♭ – Cm – Fm D♭ Major D♭ – G♭ – A♭ – Fm – Bbm

Song Examples