I iii IV V Chord Progression
In the key of C major the I-iii-IV-V progression is C Em F G. In the Nashville Number System it is written 1 3m 4 5.
Jump to the chords and audio in C, G, D, A and E
Why it works
A diatonic climb: the bass moves up the scale C-E-F-G. The iii acts as a soft stand-in for I (two common tones) and sets up the half-step E to F. The rising line makes it a natural build for ballad choruses.
How to use it
This one turns up in plenty of rock songs and ballads. If a song wants to be a little more bluesy and rockin' they would use a bIII. However if you need some more introspective rock it is best to use the minor iii.
Songs that use it
These are the chords as played in each song, in the song's own key.
| Song | Artist | Section | Chords | Key |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crocodile Rock | Elton John | verse | G Bm C D | G major |
| Summer Song | Chad and Jeremy | intro and verse | A C#m D E | A major |
| Take My Breath Away | Berlin | chorus | G Bm C D (shapes) | Ab major |
| I Can Love You Like That | John Michael Montgomery | intro and verse | A C#m D E | A major |
Keep learning
I iii IV V 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.
Shorter progressions inside it
- I-iii-IV walk-up: C Em F
More progressions like this one
- I-vi-iii-V: C Am Em G
- ii-iii-V-vi: Dm Em G Am
- I-ii-iii-V: C Dm Em G
- Royal Road progression: F G Em Am
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-iii-IV-V progression in each key?
In C major: C Em F G. In G major: G Bm C D. In D major: D F#m G A. In A major: A C#m D E. In E major: E G#m A B.
Which songs use the I-iii-IV-V progression?
Songs that use it include Crocodile Rock by Elton John, Summer Song by Chad and Jeremy, Take My Breath Away by Berlin.
