The I–vi–IV–V chord progression

50s doo-wop. Sweet and nostalgic. Classic ballad and doo-wop sound.

Quick answer

I–vi–IV–V in C major is C Am F G.

Key

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

Sweet and nostalgic. Classic ballad and doo-wop sound. In C major it's C Am F G.

Heard in: Stand By Me (Ben E. King).

You'll find it in Pop songwriting.

Scales that fit I–vi–IV–V

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

I–vi–IV–V in every key

The I–vi–IV–V progression in all 12 major keys
Key	Chords
C major	C Am F G
G major	G Em C D
D major	D Bm G A
A major	A F#m D E
E major	E C#m A B
B major	B G#m E F#
F# major	F# D#m B C#
Db major	Db Bbm Gb Ab
Ab major	Ab Fm Db Eb
Eb major	Eb Cm Ab Bb
Bb major	Bb Gm Eb F
F major	F Dm Bb C

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Common questions

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

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

What scale goes with I–vi–IV–V?

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

Last updated November 14, 2026.