IVIVvi

Pop / Anthem · intermediate

IV-I-V-vi

The 'axis progression' starting on IV — the same chords as I-V-vi-IV but with a different emotional starting point. More epic and anthemic.

anthemicupliftingopenepic

Hear IV-I-V-vi in Any Key

How to Identify It

Starting on IV instead of I gives it an immediately open, uplifting quality — like it begins mid-phrase. Common in anthemic pop and rock where the verse starts with energy.

Famous Examples

  • Let Her Go — Passenger
  • I'm Yours — Jason Mraz
  • No Woman No Cry — Bob Marley
  • Under the Bridge — RHCP (related)
Test your earThe recognition trainer plays random progressions — identify them with instant feedback.
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IV-I-V-vi in All 12 Keys

CF – C – G – AmC#D♭Gb – Db – Ab – BbmDG – D – A – BmD#E♭Ab – Eb – Bb – CmEA – E – B – C#mFBb – F – C – DmF#G♭B – F# – C# – D#mGC – G – D – EmG#A♭Db – Ab – Eb – FmAD – A – E – F#mA#B♭Eb – Bb – F – GmBE – B – F# – G#m

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-V-vi-IVPop / RockThe most ubiquitous progression in modern pop music. Op…I-vi-IV-VPop / Doo-Wop / RockThe classic 50s progression. Warm, nostalgic, and endle…

About the IV-I-V-vi Progression

The IV-I-V-vi progression uses the chords IV – I – V – vi from the major scale. The 'axis progression' starting on IV — the same chords as I-V-vi-IV but with a different emotional starting point. More epic and anthemic.

To recognise the IV-I-V-vi by ear, focus on its characteristic mood — anthemic, uplifting, open, epic. 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.