I–V–IV

The I–V–IV progression reverses the classic IV–V approach, moving from the dominant back down to the subdominant. This creates a laid-back, anthemic quality that defines classic rock.

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

Genre: rock, pop   Difficulty: beginner

Choose a Key

C Major C – G – F G Major G – D – C D Major D – A – G A Major A – E – D E Major E – B – A B Major B – F♯ – E F♯ Major F♯ – C♯ – B F Major F – C – B♭ B♭ Major B♭ – F – E♭ E♭ Major E♭ – B♭ – A♭ A♭ Major A♭ – E♭ – D♭ D♭ Major D♭ – A♭ – G♭

Song Examples