The IV–V–iii–vi chord progression

Gospel climb. Builds anticipation before landing on the vi.

Quick answer

IV–V–iii–vi in Ab major is Db Eb Cm Fm.

Key

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

Builds anticipation before landing on the vi. In Ab major it's Db Eb Cm Fm.

You'll find it in Gospel and worship songwriting.

Scales that fit IV–V–iii–vi

Over this progression in Ab, the best-fitting scales are F Natural minor (Aeolian), Db Lydian, F Dorian. Put your own chords into the scale finder to see more.

IV–V–iii–vi in every key

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

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Common questions

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

In Ab major the IV–V–iii–vi progression is Db Eb Cm Fm. The pattern is the same in every key; the table above lists all 12.

What scale goes with IV–V–iii–vi?

In Ab, the F Natural minor (Aeolian) fits best. Db Lydian and F Dorian add different colors.

Last updated November 14, 2026.