I–vi–IV–ii

The I–vi–IV–ii progression descends by thirds through alternating major and minor chords, creating a smooth, cascading motion. Each chord shares two common tones with the next, producing seamless voice leading. This elegant pattern appears in jazz ballads and sophisticated pop arrangements.

Pattern: I – vi – IV – ii   Example in C Major: C – Am – F – Dm

Genre: pop, jazz   Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

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

Song Examples