iii vi ii V Chord Progression
In the key of C major the iii-vi-ii-V progression is Em Am Dm G. In the Nashville Number System it is written 3m 6m 2m 5.
Jump to the chords and audio in C, G, D, A and E
Why it works
A falling-fifths chain that extends ii-V by two more links, E-A-D-G. All diatonic, and it resolves to I. It is the standard extended turnaround, and adding VI7 for vi makes it more chromatic.
How to use it
This progression is another popular jazz turnaround. Just as it is common to hear the ii-V-I in this case they have added the iii and vi. You will often see 7th chords like dominant, major, and minor added to this progression.
Songs that use it
These are the chords as played in each song, in the song's own key.
| Song | Artist | Section | Chords | Key |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| You Can't Hurry Love | The Supremes | chorus | Bb Eb Bb Dm Gm Cm F | Bb major |
| Don't Stop Me Now | Queen | verse | F Am Dm Gm C | F major |
| Greatest Love of All | Whitney Houston | chorus | C#m7 F#m7 Bm7 E7 | A major |
| Guys | The 1975 | chorus | A#m7 D#m7 G#m7 C# | F# major |
| I Miss You | Beyoncé | chorus | A#m D#m7 G#m7 C# | F# major |
Keep learning
iii 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.
Longer progressions that contain it
- Diatonic circle of fifths: C F Bdim Em Am Dm G C
More progressions like this one
- I-VI-ii-V: C A Dm G
- ii-V vamp: Dm7 G7
- Minor ii-V-i: Dm7b5 G7 Cm
- Diatonic circle of fifths: C F Bdim Em Am Dm G 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 iii-vi-ii-V progression in each key?
In C major: Em Am Dm G. In G major: Bm Em Am D. In D major: F#m Bm Em A. In A major: C#m F#m Bm E. In E major: G#m C#m F#m B.
Which songs use the iii-vi-ii-V progression?
Songs that use it include You Can't Hurry Love by The Supremes, Don't Stop Me Now by Queen, Greatest Love of All by Whitney Houston.
