I V ii Chord Progression
In the key of C major the I-V-ii progression is C G Dm. In the Nashville Number System it is written 1 5 2m.
It is also known as Knockin' on Heaven's Door shape.
Jump to the chords and audio in C, G, D, A and E
Why it works
A short phrase that leaves the tonic, reaches V and then slips to ii instead of resolving. The ii is a soft pre-dominant, so the line hangs open and asks for an answer. It is diatonic to the major scale, and it often alternates with I-V-IV.
Songs that use it
These are the chords as played in each song, in the song's own key.
| Song | Artist | Section | Chords | Key |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knockin' on Heaven's Door | Bob Dylan | verse | G D Am | G major |
| Wind of Change | Scorpions | chorus | C G Dm G | C major |
I V ii 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.
Longer progressions that contain it
- I-V-ii-IV: C G Dm F
More progressions like this one
- Wild Thing loop: C F G F
- Louie Louie progression: C F Gm F
- I-V-IV-V: C G F G
- V-IV-I turnaround: G F C
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-V-ii progression in each key?
In C major: C G Dm. In G major: G D Am. In D major: D A Em. In A major: A E Bm. In E major: E B F#m.
Which songs use the I-V-ii progression?
Songs that use it include Knockin' on Heaven's Door by Bob Dylan, Wind of Change by Scorpions.
