I V ii IV Chord Progression

In the key of C major the I-V-ii-IV progression is C G Dm F. In the Nashville Number System it is written 1 5 2m 4.

Jump to the chords and audio in C, G, D, A and E

Why it works

The Axis progression with ii in place of vi. Both chords are minor and sit in the same slot, so the loop keeps its shape but sounds brighter and less sad. It is diatonic to the major scale.

Songs that use it

These are the chords as played in each song, in the song's own key.

Song	Artist	Section	Chords	Key
All Star	Smash Mouth	intro and verse	F# C# G#m B	F# major
Closing Time	Semisonic	verse and chorus	G D Am C	G major
Just Like Heaven	The Cure	verse	A E Bm D	A major

I V ii 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.

Key of C major

Key of G major

Key of D major

Key of A major

Key of E major

F#m

Shorter progressions inside it

I-V-ii: C G Dm

More progressions like this one

vi-V-I: Am G C
vi-I-V-IV: Am C G F
I-vi-V-IV: C Am G F
I-IV: C F

All guitar chord progressions →

Created by

Giancarlo Facoetti

Giancarlo is a musician (teaching guitar since 2000), software engineer, AI consultant and published researcher

FAQ

What are the chords of the I-V-ii-IV progression in each key?

In C major: C G Dm F. In G major: G D Am C. In D major: D A Em G. In A major: A E Bm D. In E major: E B F#m A.

Which songs use the I-V-ii-IV progression?

Songs that use it include All Star by Smash Mouth, Closing Time by Semisonic, Just Like Heaven by The Cure.