I–V–vi–IV–I in C Major

Pattern: I – V – vi – IV – I Chords: C – G – Am – F – C

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

An extension of the ubiquitous I–V–vi–IV progression, adding a return to the tonic for a satisfying resolution. The extra I chord at the end gives phrases a conclusive landing point.

Song Examples

Someone Like You — Adele
Viva la Vida — Coldplay

Chord Details

C G Am 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