I–iii–IV–iv–V–I in C Major

Pattern: I – iii – IV – iv – V – I Chords: C – Em – F – Fm – G – C

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

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.

Song Examples

Creep — Radiohead
Space Oddity — David Bowie

Chord Details

C Em F Fm 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