I–IV–vi–V–iii–vi in C Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

The I–IV–vi–V–iii–vi progression weaves through six chords, creating an extended harmonic journey that delays resolution. The iii–vi tail adds unexpected depth to what begins as a standard pop pattern. This longer cycle keeps listeners engaged through its constantly shifting emotional colors.

Song Examples

Drops of Jupiter — Train
Daughters — John Mayer

Chord Details

C F Am G Em

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