I–V–vi–ii in C Major

Pattern: I – V – vi – ii Chords: C – G – Am – Dm

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	C (details)	major	Tonic
V	G (details)	major	Dominant
vi	Am (details)	minor	Submediant
ii	Dm (details)	minor	Supertonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through C (Tonic) → G (Dominant) → Am (Submediant) → Dm (Supertonic).

The I–V–vi–ii progression descends through the circle of fifths, creating smooth harmonic motion that naturally wants to continue to V and resolve. This falling-fifths pattern generates elegant forward momentum. It appears in pop ballads and jazz-influenced songwriting.

Song Examples

Can't Help Falling in Love — Elvis Presley
All of Me — John Legend

Chord Details

C G Am Dm

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