IV–I–V–vi in G Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

A rotation of the famous I–V–vi–IV, starting on the subdominant for an immediate sense of motion. Beginning on IV gives it a floating, uplifting quality that resolves beautifully through V to vi.

Song Examples

Firework — Katy Perry
Demons — Imagine Dragons

Chord Details

C G D Em

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