I–V–vi–V

This progression dips into the relative minor before returning to the dominant, creating a wistful, storytelling quality. The repeated V chord frames the vi, making it a poignant focal point for ballads.

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

Genre: folk, country   Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

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

Song Examples