V–vi–IV–V in C Major

Pattern: V – vi – IV – V Chords: G – Am – F – G

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
V	G (details)	major	Dominant
vi	Am (details)	minor	Submediant
IV	F (details)	major	Subdominant
V	G (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through G (Dominant) → Am (Submediant) → F (Subdominant) → G (Dominant).

A progression that evades the expected tonic resolution by moving to vi, then circles back through IV to re-establish dominant tension. This technique extends phrases in Classical sonata development sections.

Song Examples

Symphony No. 94 (Surprise) — Joseph Haydn
Piano Concerto No. 21 — Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Chord Details

G Am F

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