I–vi–IV–V–I

A balanced Classical-period progression that passes through the submediant and subdominant before a perfect authentic cadence. This satisfying harmonic arc appears in theme statements across symphonies, sonatas, and chamber works.

Pattern: I – vi – IV – V – I   Example in C Major: C – Am – F – G – C

Genre: classical   Difficulty: beginner

Choose a Key

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

Song Examples