I–V–vi

Starting on the bright tonic and moving through the dominant, this progression lands on the relative minor for a ♭ittersweet emotional turn. It is a powerful three-chord tool for creating emotional contrast.

Pattern: I – V – vi   Example in C Major: C – G – Am

Genre: pop, rock   Difficulty: beginner

Choose a Key

C Major C – G – Am G Major G – D – Em D Major D – A – Bm A Major A – E – F♯m E Major E – B – C♯m B Major B – F♯ – G♯m F♯ Major F♯ – C♯ – D♯m F Major F – C – Dm B♭ Major B♭ – F – Gm E♭ Major E♭ – B♭ – Cm A♭ Major A♭ – E♭ – Fm D♭ Major D♭ – A♭ – Bbm

Song Examples