I–V–vi–IV–V in C Major

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

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
V	G (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

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

A Classical sentence structure that moves through a deceptive resolution before arriving at a half cadence on V. This open-ended phrase creates expectation for a consequent phrase and is common in sonata-form exposition themes.

Song Examples

Symphony No. 6 (Pastoral) — Ludwig van Beethoven
Piano Sonata No. 8 (Pathetique) — Ludwig van Beethoven

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