I–IV–ii–V–I in C Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

A progression that approaches the dominant cadence via both subdominant chords (IV and ii), creating a strong pre-dominant preparation. This double subdominant approach is characteristic of Classical-period phrase endings.

Song Examples

Sonata in A Major, K. 331 — Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Waltz in A-flat Major, Op. 39 No. 15 — Johannes Brahms

Chord Details

C F Dm 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