I–V–vi–IV–I–V in G Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

The I–V–vi–IV–I–V extends the ubiquitous pop progression by adding a resolution and reopening with the dominant. This six-chord cycle creates a longer phrase that breathes and resets, ideal for verse-chorus structures that need more harmonic real estate.

Song Examples

With or Without You — U2
Counting Stars — OneRepublic

Chord Details

G D Em C

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