I
Tonic
Establishes the key.
I–V–vi–IV progression
Understand one of the most reusable four-chord progressions.
The pattern I–V–vi–IV keeps a strong major center while introducing the relative minor before moving to IV. Learn the function, then transpose it anywhere.
I V vi IVI V vi IV progression1 5 6 4 chord progressionfour chord progressionI V vi IV guitar
Function
Hear why the loop feels stable and continuous.
The progression starts on tonic, moves to dominant, shifts to relative minor and then lands on the predominant IV.
V
Dominant
Adds forward motion.
vi
Relative minor
Creates contrast without leaving the key.
IV
Predominant
Opens the harmony before the return to I.
Transpose
Map the same degrees to different keys.
The chord names change, but the functional sequence does not.
C major
C–G–Am–F
I–V–vi–IV.
G major
G–D–Em–C
Same progression in G.
D major
D–A–Bm–G
Same progression in D.
Voicings
Make the loop feel connected.
Use inversions or nearby triads to reduce large jumps and control the top note.
Common tones
Keep shared notes
Reduce unnecessary motion.
Bass line
Try inversions
Create a more deliberate low voice.
Top voice
Shape melody
Choose voicings that make the highest note move smoothly.
FAQ
Quick answers about I V vi IV.
Use these answers as a reference, then explore the relationships interactively.
What chords are in I–V–vi–IV in C major?
C, G, Am and F.
Why is I–V–vi–IV so common?
It combines strong tonal clarity with a relative-minor contrast and loops smoothly back toward tonic.
Can I transpose I–V–vi–IV?
Yes. Keep the Roman numerals the same and map them to the diatonic chords of the new major key.
ChordRevelation
Move from explanation to interactive harmony.
Change the key, compare voicings, follow voice leading and see the same idea directly on the fretboard.