I–ii–iii–IV–V–I in F Major

Pattern: I – ii – iii – IV – V – I Chords: F – Gm – Am – B♭ – C – F

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	F (details)	major	Tonic
ii	Gm (details)	minor	Supertonic
iii	Am (details)	minor	Mediant
IV	B♭ (details)	major	Subdominant
V	C (details)	major	Dominant
I	F (details)	major	Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through F (Tonic) → Gm (Supertonic) → Am (Mediant) → B♭ (Subdominant) → C (Dominant) → F (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

F Gm Am B♭ C

More Progressions in F 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