I–IV–V–vi in C Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

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.

Song Examples

Africa — Toto
Don't Stop Believin' — Journey

Chord Details

C F G 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