Universal progression powering mainstream pop and EDM.
Показывает, как текущий элемент связан с ладом, тональностью и используется в музыке.
Bright sound with a soft minor shade on the vi chord. The progression combines major stability with minor contrast, making it suitable for various lyrical moods. High stability: starts on the tonic and cycles back naturally. The loop is complete and can repeat.
The tonic provides a point of rest and stability. The subdominant sets the harmony in motion, moving away from that stability. The dominant builds tension that strives to resolve back to the tonic.
V creates primary tension as the dominant striving for resolution. vi (minor tonic substitute) creates a deceptive "almost-resolution." IV acts as a gentle subdominant preparation before returning to I. Cycle: rest (I) → tension (V) → false resolution (vi) → preparation (IV) → rest (I).
Natural in any major key. Most popular in C, G, D, and A. Transposition preserves the structure completely. Rotation yields vi–IV–I–V (minor variant) — essentially the same progression from a different starting point.
Replace triads with 7ths (Imaj7–V7–vi7–IVmaj7) for jazz/neo-soul. Simplify to I–V–IV (drop vi). Extend to I–V–vi–IV–ii–V for 6-chord version. Sus substitutions: Vsus4→V for extra tension. Rhythmic variation: change chord durations (2 bars on I, 1 on each other).
Key chords of the progression — visit each chord page for voicings and theory.
Not just a genre list — specific situations where this progression shines.