V–IV–I in C Major

Pattern: V – IV – I Chords: G – F – C

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

The V–IV–I progression reverses the standard cadential approach, moving from dominant through subdominant to the tonic. This "retrogression" defies classical voice-leading rules but sounds perfectly natural in rock and blues contexts. Its raw, rebellious quality made it a defining sound of rock and roll.

Song Examples

Satisfaction — The Rolling Stones
Free Fallin' — Tom Petty

Chord Details

G F 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