I–vi–ii–V–iii–vi in G Major

Pattern: I – vi – ii – V – iii – vi Chords: G – Em – Am – D – Bm – Em

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	G (details)	major	Tonic
vi	Em (details)	minor	Submediant
ii	Am (details)	minor	Supertonic
V	D (details)	major	Dominant
iii	Bm (details)	minor	Mediant
vi	Em (details)	minor	Submediant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through G (Tonic) → Em (Submediant) → Am (Supertonic) → D (Dominant) → Bm (Mediant) → Em (Submediant).

The I–vi–ii–V–iii–vi progression extends the standard turnaround with an additional iii–vi tail, creating a longer harmonic cycle that delays resolution. The circle-of-fifths motion continues past the expected cadence point, keeping the harmony in perpetual motion. This pattern appears in jazz ballads and sophisticated pop.

Song Examples

The Way You Look Tonight — Jerome Kern
Just the Way You Are — Billy Joel

Chord Details

G Em Am D Bm

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