IV–V–I

The archetypal cadential progression of Western classical music, moving from subdominant preparation through dominant tension to tonic resolution. This three-chord formula underpins countless classical phrases and periods.

Pattern: IV – V – I   Example in C Major: F – G – C

Genre: classical   Difficulty: beginner

Choose a Key

C Major F – G – C G Major C – D – G D Major G – A – D A Major D – E – A E Major A – B – E B Major E – F♯ – B F♯ Major B – C♯ – F♯ F Major B♭ – C – F B♭ Major E♭ – F – B♭ E♭ Major A♭ – B♭ – E♭ A♭ Major D♭ – E♭ – A♭ D♭ Major G♭ – A♭ – D♭

Song Examples