I vi iii V Chord Progression
In the key of C major the I-vi-iii-V progression is C Am Em G. In the Nashville Number System it is written 1 6m 3m 5.
Jump to the chords and audio in C, G, D, A and E
Why it works
A diatonic loop that swaps IV for iii. The bass falls C-A-E then rises to G, staying in the tonic family for three chords before V. With no pre-dominant it feels gentle and unresolved.
How to use it
Just as we have a jazz standard progression of I-vi-ii-V here we substitute a iii instead. You will find these chords in a mix of jazz and pop rock songs. Clearly not as uplifting with more minor chords, and you can try switching the order of the vi and iii.
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 the Tired Horses | Bob Dylan | whole song | C Am Em G | C major |
| Save Your Tears | The Weeknd | verse and chorus | C Am7 Em7 G | C major |
| Girl On Fire | Alicia Keys | chorus | A F#m C#m E | A major |
| Eyes Without a Face | Billy Idol | verse | Emaj7 C#m7 G#m7 B | E major |
| She Loves You | The Beatles | verse | G Em7 Bm D | G major |
I vi iii 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-iii-V-vi: Dm Em G Am
- I-ii-iii-V: C Dm Em G
- Royal Road progression: F G Em Am
- I-ii-iii-IV: C Dm Em F
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-iii-V progression in each key?
In C major: C Am Em G. In G major: G Em Bm D. In D major: D Bm F#m A. In A major: A F#m C#m E. In E major: E C#m G#m B.
Which songs use the I-vi-iii-V progression?
Songs that use it include All the Tired Horses by Bob Dylan, Save Your Tears by The Weeknd, Girl On Fire by Alicia Keys.
