I–vi–IV–V in F Major

Pattern: I – vi – IV – V Chords: F – Dm – B♭ – C

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	F (details)	major	Tonic
vi	Dm (details)	minor	Submediant
IV	B♭ (details)	major	Subdominant
V	C (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through F (Tonic) → Dm (Submediant) → B♭ (Subdominant) → C (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

F Dm B♭ C

More Progressions in F 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