I VI ii V Chord Progression
In the key of C major the I-VI-ii-V progression is C A Dm G. In the Nashville Number System it is written 1 6 2m 5.
Chords from outside the key of C major: A.
Jump to the chords and audio in C, G, D, A and E
Why it works
Like I-vi-ii-V, but the VI is major, so it becomes a secondary dominant of ii (A7 to Dm). The C# is the leading tone of D, which gives the turnaround more drive. Ragtime and swing use it all the time.
How to use it
In this case we have a major VI substitution for the normal minor vi that we see in most chord progressions. It provides for a slightly different vibe, often you will see 7th chords here.
Songs that use it
These are the chords as played in each song, in the song's own key.
| Song | Artist | Section | Chords | Key |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Close Your Eyes and Count to Ten | Grouplove | pre-chorus | Ab F Bbm Eb | Ab major |
| Thrills | Grrrl Gang | chorus | D B Em A | D major |
| Mayan Nights | Man Man | verse | A F# Bm E | A major |
| Take the A Train | Billy Strayhorn | A section, last two bars | Cmaj7 A7 Dm7 G7 (plays I-VI7-ii-V7) | C major |
| Ain't Misbehavin' | Fats Waller | verse turnaround | C A7 Dm7 G7 (plays I-VI7-ii-V7) | C major |
| Oleo | Sonny Rollins | A section, bars 1 and 2 | Bb G7 | Cm7 F7 (plays I-VI7-ii-V7) | Bb major |
I VI ii 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
- ii-V vamp: Dm7 G7
- Minor ii-V-i: Dm7b5 G7 Cm
- Diatonic circle of fifths: C F Bdim Em Am Dm G C
- iii-VI-ii-V turnaround: Em A7 Dm G7
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-VI-ii-V progression in each key?
In C major: C A Dm G. In G major: G E Am D. In D major: D B Em A. In A major: A F# Bm E. In E major: E C# F#m B.
Which songs use the I-VI-ii-V progression?
Songs that use it include Close Your Eyes and Count to Ten by Grouplove, Thrills by Grrrl Gang, Mayan Nights by Man Man.
