I–iii–IV–iv–V–I

The I–iii–IV–iv–V–I progression features a chromatic inner voice that descends through the IV-to-iv shift, creating a ♭ittersweet moment of modal mixture. This borrowed minor iv chord adds emotional depth to an otherwise diatonic progression. It is a hallmark of sophisticated pop songwriting.

Pattern: I – iii – IV – iv – V – I   Example in C Major: C – Em – F – Fm – G – C

Genre: pop, jazz   Difficulty: advanced

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

Song Examples