I–ii–iii–IV–V–I in C Major

Pattern: I – ii – iii – IV – V – I Chords: C – Dm – Em – F – G – C

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	C (details)	major	Tonic
ii	Dm (details)	minor	Supertonic
iii	Em (details)	minor	Mediant
IV	F (details)	major	Subdominant
V	G (details)	major	Dominant
I	C (details)	major	Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

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

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.

Song Examples

Pachelbel's Canon (adapted) — Johann Pachelbel
Mr. Brightside (bridge) — The Killers

Chord Details

C Dm Em F G

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