I–vi–ii–V in C Major

Pattern: I – vi – ii – V Chords: C – Am – Dm – G

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	C (details)	major	Tonic
vi	Am (details)	minor	Submediant
ii	Dm (details)	minor	Supertonic
V	G (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through C (Tonic) → Am (Submediant) → Dm (Supertonic) → G (Dominant).

Known as the '50s progression or ice cream changes, this turnaround was the harmonic engine of early rock and roll. It cycles smoothly through descending thirds and a ii–V resolution.

Song Examples

Stand by Me — Ben E. King
Blue Moon — The Marcels

Chord Details

C Am Dm G

More Progressions in C 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