I–IV–V–iii–vi in C Major

Pattern: I – IV – V – iii – vi Chords: C – F – G – Em – Am

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	C (details)	major	Tonic
IV	F (details)	major	Subdominant
V	G (details)	major	Dominant
iii	Em (details)	minor	Mediant
vi	Am (details)	minor	Submediant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through C (Tonic) → F (Subdominant) → G (Dominant) → Em (Mediant) → Am (Submediant).

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.

Song Examples

Piano Sonata No. 11 in A Major — Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
String Quartet Op. 76 No. 3 — Joseph Haydn

Chord Details

C F G Em Am

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