I–iii–vi–IV

This progression moves by descending thirds from I to iii to vi, then resolves to IV. The smooth voice leading between chords that share common tones creates a lush, flowing harmonic texture.

Pattern: I – iii – vi – IV   Example in C Major: C – Em – Am – F

Genre: pop, rock   Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

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

Song Examples