I–vi–IV–V in C Major

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

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

The I–vi–IV–V progression defined the sound of 1950s doo-wop and early rock and roll. Its gentle descent from the tonic through the relative minor creates a warm, nostalgic feeling that has kept it popular well beyond its era. It remains a staple for ballads and sentimental songs.

Song Examples

Stand by Me — Ben E. King
Earth Angel — The Penguins
Every Breath You Take — The Police

Chord Details

C Am F G

More Progressions in C Major

I–IV–V–I I–V–vi–IV 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 V–I

Related Progressions

I–V–vi–IV vi–IV–I–V I–IV–V–I