I–V–IV in C Major

Pattern: I – V – IV Chords: C – G – F

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

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.

Song Examples

Sweet Home Alabama — Lynyrd Skynyrd
Margaritaville — Jimmy Buffett

Chord Details

C G F

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