The I–V–IV–I chord progression

Honky-tonk. The V falling to the IV gives a lazy, twangy feel.

Quick answer

I–V–IV–I in G major is G D C G.

Key

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

The V falling to the IV gives a lazy, twangy feel. In G major it's G D C G.

You'll find it in Country songwriting.

Scales that fit I–V–IV–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–V–IV–I in every key

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

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Common questions

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

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

What scale goes with I–V–IV–I?

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

Last updated November 14, 2026.