I–V–vi–iii–IV Chord Progression Songs
C
→ G
→ Am
→ Em
→ F
Ctap to play
Gtap to play
Amtap to play
Emtap to play
Ftap to play
Strum Pattern
↓
↓
↑
↑
↓
↑
1
&
2
&
3
&
4
&
Play in Other Keys
Key of C
C – G – Am – Em – F
Key of G
G – D – Em – Bm – C
Key of D
D – A – Bm – F#m – G
Key of A
A – E – F#m – C#m – D
Key of E
E – B – C#m – G#m – A
Key of F
F – C – Dm – Am – Bb
About the I–V–vi–iii–IV Progression
The Canon progression takes its name from Johann Pachelbel's famous Canon in D (1680), one of the most recognizable pieces of classical music. This descending bass-line pattern — I–V–vi–iii–IV — creates a graceful, cascading effect that feels both elegant and emotionally satisfying. The five-chord sequence offers more harmonic variety than the standard four-chord progressions, giving songwriters extra room to develop melodies. It has been adopted (and sometimes lovingly parodied) across every genre from baroque pop to punk rock.
Songs Using the I–V–vi–iii–IV Progression
CGEmAmF
A Thousand Years
Christina Perri
CAmFDmGEm
A Whiter Shade of Pale
Procol Harum
Procol Harum’s beautiful classic in the key of C. Intermediate difficulty.
AmGCEmF
All My Loving
The Beatles
The Beatles’s easy-to-play classic in the key of C. Beginner difficulty.
AmEmGCFDm
Alone Again Naturally
Gilbert O'Sullivan
Gilbert O’Sullivan’s beautiful classic in the key of A. Intermediate difficulty.
AmEmGCF
And I Love Her
The Beatles
The Beatles’s easy-to-play classic in the key of C. Beginner difficulty.
CAmFGEmDm
Band on the Run
Paul McCartney & Wings
Paul McCartney & Wings’s beautiful classic in the key of C. Intermediate difficulty.
CFGAmDmEm
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
Simon & Garfunkel’s beautiful classic in the key of C. Intermediate difficulty.
CEmAmFG
Can’t Help Falling in Love
Elvis Presley
Elvis’s romantic classic is a ukulele staple. The gentle waltz rhythm is perfect for fingerpicking or soft strumming.
CGAmFEm
Champagne Problems
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s devastating ballad about a rejected proposal. Beautiful piano chords that translate perfectly to guitar.
CDmGAmFEm
Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire
Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole’s easy-to-play classic in the key of C. Beginner difficulty.
CEmAmGF
Count on Me
Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars’s easy-to-play classic in the key of C. Beginner difficulty.
AmGDmEmFC
Dani California
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers’s beautiful classic in the key of A. Intermediate difficulty.
CFGAmEm
Danny Boy
Traditional
Traditional’s easy-to-play classic in the key of C. Beginner difficulty.
CGAmFEm
For Good
Stephen Schwartz
The deeply moving duet from “Wicked,” “For Good” is about how people change each other’s lives. A favorite for graduations…
AmEmGCF
For No One
The Beatles
The Beatles’s beautiful classic in the key of A. Intermediate difficulty.
CAmFGEm
Half the World Away
Oasis
Oasis’s easy-to-play classic in the key of C. Beginner difficulty.
CAmDmGFEm
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Traditional
Traditional’s beautiful classic in the key of C. Intermediate difficulty.
CEmAmFGDm
I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley’s easy-to-play classic in the key of C. Beginner difficulty.
CEmAmGF
I Can’t Make You Love Me
Bonnie Raitt
Bonnie Raitt’s easy-to-play classic in the key of C. Beginner difficulty.
AmCFGEm
I Will Follow You into the Dark
Death Cab for Cutie
Death Cab for Cutie’s easy-to-play classic in the key of C. Beginner difficulty.