I–V–vi–IV

The I–V–vi–IV progression is arguably the most widely used chord pattern in modern pop music. Its blend of major brightness and minor tension creates an emotionally compelling loop that feels uplifting yet ♭ittersweet. Hundreds of hit songs across decades rely on this four-chord cycle.

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

Genre: pop, rock Difficulty: beginner

Choose a Key

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

Song Examples

Someone Like You — Adele
Let It Be — The Beatles
No Woman, No Cry — Bob Marley

Related Progressions

vi–IV–I–V I–vi–IV–V I–IV–V–I