I–IV–V–vi

Building on the classic I–IV–V, this progression takes an unexpected turn to the relative minor. The vi chord at the end adds a wistful, unresolved quality that keeps the listener engaged.

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

Genre: pop, rock   Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

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

Song Examples