I–iii–vi–V

The I–iii–vi–V progression moves through the mediant and submediant before landing on the dominant, creating a turnaround with a ♭ittersweet, wandering quality. The iii chord adds an unusual harmonic color that distinguishes it from more common progressions. This pattern appears in jazz standards and art pop.

Pattern: I – iii – vi – V   Example in C Major: C – Em – Am – G

Genre: pop, jazz   Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

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

Song Examples