IV–V–I in C Major

Pattern: IV – V – I Chords: F – G – C

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
IV	F (details)	major	Subdominant
V	G (details)	major	Dominant
I	C (details)	major	Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through F (Subdominant) → G (Dominant) → C (Tonic).

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.

Song Examples

Symphony No. 5 in C minor — Ludwig van Beethoven
Eine kleine Nachtmusik — Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Chord Details

F G C

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