I–vi–V in G Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

This three-chord progression captures the essence of the doo-wop era, dropping from tonic to relative minor before lifting to the dominant. It evokes nostalgia and has been used in pop music for decades.

Song Examples

Earth Angel — The Penguins
Unchained Melody — The Righteous Brothers

Chord Details

G Em 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