I–ii–iii–IV–V in C Major

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

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

A stepwise ascending motion through the first five diatonic chords. The rising bass line creates a strong sense of building energy and forward momentum, often used in intros and verses.

Song Examples

Joy Spring — Clifford Brown
Solar — Miles Davis

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