I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V in C Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

Pachelbel's Canon progression is an eight-chord descending pattern originally composed around 1680. Its elegant stepwise bass line creates a sense of inevitability and grace that has made it one of the most borrowed progressions in pop music. From wedding ceremonies to chart-topping hits, this extended cycle continues to captivate listeners.

Song Examples

Canon in D — Johann Pachelbel
Basket Case — Green Day
Memories — Maroon 5

Chord Details

C G Am Em 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–IV I–V IV–V IV–I V–I

Related Progressions

I–V–vi–IV I–vi–IV–V