I–V–vi in C Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

Starting on the bright tonic and moving through the dominant, this progression lands on the relative minor for a ♭ittersweet emotional turn. It is a powerful three-chord tool for creating emotional contrast.

Song Examples

Love Story — Taylor Swift
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) — Green Day

Chord Details

C G Am

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