IVviIV

Pop / Rock · beginner

I-V-vi-IV

The most ubiquitous progression in modern pop music. Optimistic and forward-moving, with the vi chord providing an emotional lift.

upliftingbittersweetpopuniversal

Hear I-V-vi-IV in Any Key

How to Identify It

The vi chord (relative minor) gives this progression its characteristic emotional quality — slightly bittersweet but still uplifting. Once you hear it, you'll recognise it everywhere.

Famous Examples

  • Let It Be — Beatles
  • With or Without You — U2
  • Don't Stop Believin' — Journey
  • Someone Like You — Adele
  • Poker Face — Lady Gaga
Test your earThe recognition trainer plays random progressions — identify them with instant feedback.
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I-V-vi-IV in All 12 Keys

CC – G – Am – FC#D♭Db – Ab – Bbm – GbDD – A – Bm – GD#E♭Eb – Bb – Cm – AbEE – B – C#m – AFF – C – Dm – BbF#G♭F# – C# – D#m – BGG – D – Em – CG#A♭Ab – Eb – Fm – DbAA – E – F#m – DA#B♭Bb – F – Gm – EbBB – F# – G#m – E

Related Progressions

12-Bar BluesBlues / Rock / JazzThe defining form of the blues — a 12-bar cycle using I…I-IV-V-IClassical / Pop / RockThe most fundamental progression in Western music. Toni…I-vi-IV-VPop / Doo-Wop / RockThe classic 50s progression. Warm, nostalgic, and endle…IV-I-V-viPop / AnthemThe 'axis progression' starting on IV — the same chords…

About the I-V-vi-IV Progression

The I-V-vi-IV progression uses the chords I – V – vi – IV from the major scale. The most ubiquitous progression in modern pop music. Optimistic and forward-moving, with the vi chord providing an emotional lift.

To recognise the I-V-vi-IV by ear, focus on its characteristic mood — uplifting, bittersweet, pop, universal. Practice hearing it in different keys using the player above. Each key gives the same harmonic movement but a different tonal colour, which is why being able to identify the progression regardless of key is the real skill.