IV V vi Chord Progression
In the key of C major the IV-V-vi progression is F G Am. In the Nashville Number System it is written 4 5 6m.
Jump to the chords and audio in C, G, D, A and E
Why it works
A stepwise climb from IV through V that lands on vi instead of I, which is the deceptive move. The expected resolution is sidestepped, so it sounds yearning and is a favourite lift into a chorus or inside one. It is diatonic to the major scale.
Songs that use it
These are the chords as played in each song, in the song's own key.
| Song | Artist | Section | Chords | Key |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I Want It That Way | Backstreet Boys | chorus | D E F#m | A major |
| Let Her Go | Passenger | intro | C D Em D | G major |
IV V vi 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
- Hopscotch progression: F G Am C
More progressions like this one
- I-iii-vi-IV: C Em Am F
- vi-iii-IV-I: Am Em F C
- Romanesca (major-key form): C G Am Em
- ii-IV-V climb: Dm F G
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 IV-V-vi progression in each key?
In C major: F G Am. In G major: C D Em. In D major: G A Bm. In A major: D E F#m. In E major: A B C#m.
Which songs use the IV-V-vi progression?
Songs that use it include I Want It That Way by Backstreet Boys, Let Her Go by Passenger.
