vi–IV–I–V in C Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

The vi–IV–I–V progression is a rotation of the famous I–V–vi–IV that begins on the minor chord, giving it an emotionally ambiguous character. Starting on vi lends a more melancholic or introspective feel while retaining the same harmonic loop. It is equally at home in major and relative-minor contexts.

Song Examples

Numb — Linkin Park
Save Tonight — Eagle-Eye Cherry
Grenade — Bruno Mars

Chord Details

Am F C G

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 I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V I–IV I–V IV–V IV–I V–I

Related Progressions

I–V–vi–IV I–vi–IV–V