I–IV–vi–V–iii–vi in G Major

Pattern: I – IV – vi – V – iii – vi Chords: G – C – Em – D – Bm – Em

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through G (Tonic) → C (Subdominant) → Em (Submediant) → D (Dominant) → Bm (Mediant) → Em (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

G C Em D Bm

More Progressions in G 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