I–ii–iii–IV–V–I

The I–ii–iii–IV–V–I progression ascends stepwise through the major scale's diatonic chords before cadencing home. This scalewise motion creates a sense of inevitable, building momentum toward the dominant resolution. It appears in classical themes and sophisticated pop arrangements.

Pattern: I – ii – iii – IV – V – I   Example in C Major: C – Dm – Em – F – G – C

Genre: classical, pop   Difficulty: advanced

Choose a Key

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

Song Examples