The I–IV–V–I chord progression

Classic cadence. The most settled-sounding progression there is.

Quick answer

I–IV–V–I in G major is G C D G.

Key

What the I–IV–V–I progression sounds like

The most settled-sounding progression there is. In G major it's G C D G.

You'll find it in Country songwriting.

Scales that fit I–IV–V–I

Over this progression in G, the best-fitting scales are G Major (Ionian), G Mixolydian, G Lydian. Put your own chords into the scale finder to see more.

I–IV–V–I in every key

The I–IV–V–I progression in all 12 major keys
Key	Chords
C major	C F G C
G major	G C D G
D major	D G A D
A major	A D E A
E major	E A B E
B major	B E F# B
F# major	F# B C# F#
Db major	Db Gb Ab Db
Ab major	Ab Db Eb Ab
Eb major	Eb Ab Bb Eb
Bb major	Bb Eb F Bb
F major	F Bb C F

Browse by genre

Pop Rock Blues Jazz Country Folk Soul and R&B Punk and pop punk Metal Lo-fi and chill Gospel and worship Minor-key songwriting

Common questions

What are the chords in the I–IV–V–I progression?

In G major the I–IV–V–I progression is G C D G. The pattern is the same in every key; the table above lists all 12.

What scale goes with I–IV–V–I?

In G, the G Major (Ionian) fits best. G Mixolydian and G Lydian add different colors.

Last updated November 14, 2026.