I ii iii IV Chord Progression
In the key of C major the I-ii-iii-IV progression is C Dm Em F. In the Nashville Number System it is written 1 2m 3m 4.
Jump to the chords and audio in C, G, D, A and E
Why it works
A simple diatonic scale walk in the bass C-D-E-F, each chord a step higher, which builds tension without leaving the key. It is a natural lead-in to a chorus.
How to use it
This chord progression is similar to the I-ii-iii-V, instead the IV replacement makes it perfect for light pop. Occasionally extended chords are used and of course try even more substitutions.
Songs that use it
These are the chords as played in each song, in the song's own key.
| Song | Artist | Section | Chords | Key |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daydream Believer | The Monkees | verse | G Am7 Bm C | G major |
| Here, There and Everywhere | The Beatles | verse | G Am Bm C | G major |
| Lean On Me | Bill Withers | verse | C Dm Em F Em Dm C | C major |
| Boys Don't Cry | The Cure | verse | A Bm C#m D | A major |
| I Knew I Loved You | Savage Garden | verse | A Bm C#m D | A major |
| Radiate | Jack Johnson | chorus | A Bm C#m D | A major |
I ii iii IV Chord Progression: Chords and Audio in C, G, D, A and E
Press play to hear each key. The diagrams show the shapes used in the audio, and every chord links to its full page.
More progressions like this one
- Descending bass line: C G/B Am C/G
- I-iii: C Em
- I-ii-IV: C Dm F
- I-vi-IV-ii: C Am F Dm
All guitar chord progressions →
Created by
Giancarlo is a musician (teaching guitar since 2000), software engineer, AI consultant and published researcher
FAQ
What are the chords of the I-ii-iii-IV progression in each key?
In C major: C Dm Em F. In G major: G Am Bm C. In D major: D Em F#m G. In A major: A Bm C#m D. In E major: E F#m G#m A.
Which songs use the I-ii-iii-IV progression?
Songs that use it include Daydream Believer by The Monkees, Here, There and Everywhere by The Beatles, Lean On Me by Bill Withers.
