I–vi–IV–V–I in G Major

Pattern: I – vi – IV – V – I Chords: G – Em – C – D – G

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through G (Tonic) → Em (Submediant) → C (Subdominant) → D (Dominant) → G (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

G Em C D

More Progressions in G 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