I–vi–IV–V–I in C Major

Pattern: I – vi – IV – V – I Chords: C – Am – F – G – C

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	C (details)	major	Tonic
vi	Am (details)	minor	Submediant
IV	F (details)	major	Subdominant
V	G (details)	major	Dominant
I	C (details)	major	Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through C (Tonic) → Am (Submediant) → F (Subdominant) → G (Dominant) → C (Tonic).

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.

Song Examples

Piano Sonata No. 16 in C Major — Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
String Quartet No. 1 in F Major — Ludwig van Beethoven

Chord Details

C Am F 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