I V Chord Progression

In the key of C major the I-V progression is C G. In the Nashville Number System it is written 1 5.

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

Why it works

The most basic tension and release in tonal music: V contains the leading tone (B in C), which wants to rise to the tonic. Two chords are enough to carry a melody, which is why folk tunes and children's songs lean on it. V7 adds the tritone B-F and makes the pull stronger.

How to use it

The root and fifth have a very powerful bond, it is very appealing to most listeners' ears. Traditionals and children's tunes often make use of the tension and resolution these two provide. In rock and pop it is normal to see the fifth as a V7.

Songs that use it

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

Song	Artist	Section	Chords	Key
Summer of 69	Bryan Adams	verse	D A	D major
Alouette		verse	D A	D major
Achy Breaky Heart	Billy Ray Cyrus	verse and chorus	A E	A major
Tom Dooley	The Kingston Trio	refrain	D A7 (shapes)	E major
Iko Iko	The Dixie Cups	chorus	C G	C major
You Never Can Tell (with a V7)	Chuck Berry	verse	A E7 (shapes)	C major

I 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.

Key of C major

Key of G major

Key of D major

Key of A major

Key of E major

Same loop, different starting chord

Authentic cadence: G C

More progressions like this one

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 progression in each key?

In C major: C G. In G major: G D. In D major: D A. In A major: A E. In E major: E B.

Which songs use the I-V progression?

Songs that use it include Summer of 69 by Bryan Adams, Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus, Tom Dooley by The Kingston Trio.