I IV vi V Chord Progression
In the key of C major the I-IV-vi-V progression is C F Am G. In the Nashville Number System it is written 1 4 6m 5.
Jump to the chords and audio in C, G, D, A and E
Why it works
All diatonic, with vi placed between IV and V. The bass walks F-A-G around the dominant, and vi to V is a stepwise descent that gives a wistful dip before the turnaround. It is a brighter cousin of the doo-wop order.
How to use it
This is one of the many variations on the famous I-V-vi-IV. In this case they have switched the fourth and the fifth leading to a different overall sound. Of all the variations of these four chords this one is probably used the least.
Songs that use it
These are the chords as played in each song, in the song's own key.
| Song | Artist | Section | Chords | Key |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| More Than a Feeling | Boston | chorus | G C Em D | G major |
| She Drives Me Crazy | Fine Young Cannibals | verse and chorus | D G Bm A | D major |
| Kiss You | One Direction | verse and chorus | E A C#m B | E major |
| Castle on the Hill | Ed Sheeran | chorus | D G Bm A | D major |
I IV vi 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.
More progressions like this one
- I-iii-IV-V: C Em F G
- I-vi-iii-V: C Am Em G
- ii-iii-V-vi: Dm Em G Am
- I-ii-iii-V: C Dm Em G
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-IV-vi-V progression in each key?
In C major: C F Am G. In G major: G C Em D. In D major: D G Bm A. In A major: A D F#m E. In E major: E A C#m B.
Which songs use the I-IV-vi-V progression?
Songs that use it include More Than a Feeling by Boston, She Drives Me Crazy by Fine Young Cannibals, Kiss You by One Direction.
