vi–IV–I–V Chord Progression Songs
Am
→ F
→ C
→ G
Amtap to play
Ftap to play
Ctap to play
Gtap to play
Strum Pattern
↓
↓
↑
↑
↓
↑
1
&
2
&
3
&
4
&
Play in Other Keys
Key of C
Am – F – C – G
Key of G
Em – C – G – D
Key of D
Bm – G – D – A
Key of A
F#m – D – A – E
Key of E
C#m – A – E – B
Key of F
Dm – Bb – F – C
About the vi–IV–I–V Progression
The vi–IV–I–V is essentially a rotation of the I–V–vi–IV, but starting on the minor chord completely changes the emotional character. Opening on the vi gives the progression an immediate sense of longing or vulnerability, which is why it's often called the "sensitive" or "emotional" progression. The move to IV lightens the mood, I provides a moment of resolution, and V creates anticipation before cycling back to the minor. It's the go-to progression for ballads, anthems, and emotionally charged pop songs.
Songs Using the vi–IV–I–V 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.
AmGFCDm
Against All Odds
Phil Collins
Phil Collins’s easy-to-play classic in the key of C. Beginner difficulty.
AmDmGCF
Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City
Bobby Blue Bland
Bobby Blue Bland’s beautiful classic in the key of A. Intermediate difficulty.
AmGFC
Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked
Cage the Elephant
Cage the Elephant’s easy-to-play classic in the key of C. Beginner difficulty.
CGAmF
All Apologies
Nirvana
Nirvana’s easy-to-play classic in the key of C. Beginner difficulty.
CAmFG
All Hail King Jesus
Jeremy Riddle
A powerful declaration of praise with a simple, singable melody.
AmFCGDm
All I Ask
Adele
Adele’s beautiful classic in the key of C. Intermediate difficulty.
CAmFG
All I Want
Kodaline
Kodaline’s easy-to-play classic in the key of C. Beginner difficulty.
AmGCEmF
All My Loving
The Beatles
The Beatles’s easy-to-play classic in the key of C. Beginner difficulty.
CGFAm
All the Small Things
Blink-182
Blink-182’s easy-to-play classic in the key of C. Beginner difficulty.
CGAmF
All Too Well
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s magnum opus and one of the greatest breakup songs ever written. The 10-minute version is legendary.
AmEmGCFDm
Alone Again Naturally
Gilbert O'Sullivan
Gilbert O’Sullivan’s beautiful classic in the key of A. Intermediate difficulty.
CGAmF
Always
Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi’s easy-to-play classic in the key of C. Beginner difficulty.
CGAmFDm
Always on My Mind
Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson’s easy-to-play classic in the key of C. Beginner difficulty.
AmGCFDm
Always Remember Us This Way
Lady Gaga
A beautiful ballad from the film “A Star Is Born” with a simple, emotional chord progression.
AmEmGCF
And I Love Her
The Beatles
The Beatles’s easy-to-play classic in the key of C. Beginner difficulty.
CAmFG
Andrew in Drag
Magnetic Fields
Magnetic Fields’s easy-to-play classic in the key of C. Beginner difficulty.
CGAmF
Angels Like You
Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus’s easy-to-play classic in the key of C. Beginner difficulty.
AmCFGDmE
Angie
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones’s beautiful classic in the key of A. Intermediate difficulty.