I–IV–vi–V Chord Progression Songs

G C Em D
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Emtap to play
Dtap to play

Strum Pattern

1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &

Play in Other Keys

Key of G G – C – Em – D
Key of C C – F – Am – G
Key of D D – G – Bm – A
Key of A A – D – F#m – E
Key of E E – A – C#m – B
Key of F F – Bb – Dm – C

About the I–IV–vi–V Progression

The I–IV–vi–V progression is a close relative of the pop progression but with a twist: the IV chord comes before the vi, creating a different emotional contour. Moving from the bright IV directly to the introspective vi gives it a gentle tug between optimism and reflection — a quality that suits the storytelling tradition of country and folk music perfectly. It also appears frequently in worship music and singer-songwriter material, where its open, flowing quality supports lyrical narratives.

Songs Using the I–IV–vi–V Progression