I–V–vi–IV–V in G Major

Pattern: I – V – vi – IV – V Chords: G – D – Em – C – 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
V	D (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

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

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