I–vi–IV–V chord progression
'50s progression — I–vi–IV–V · also called the doo-wop progression, ice cream changes, 1–6–4–5
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4.7 · 6 ratingsI–vi–IV–V chord progression — how it works
The I–vi–IV–V progression is the doo-wop loop of the 1950s: a step down to the relative minor, then the subdominant and dominant push firmly back home, which is why it sounds warm, nostalgic and instantly singable.
It moves from the tonic (I) to the submediant (vi) to the subdominant (IV) to the dominant (V) and then repeats. Each chord lasts 4 beats, so one pass of the 4 chords is 4 bars of 4/4.
In C major the chords are C – Am – F – G; in G major they are G – Em – C – D. Press play above to hear the progression, then pick the key that fits your voice or your song and set the tempo you want to practise at.
I–vi–IV–V in every key
The numerals stay the same; only the chords change. Find your key below, or pick it in the player above to hear it.
| Key | Chords |
|---|---|
| C major | C – Am – F – G |
| D♭ major | D♭ – B♭m – G♭ – A♭ |
| D major | D – Bm – G – A |
| E♭ major | E♭ – Cm – A♭ – B♭ |
| E major | E – C♯m – A – B |
| F major | F – Dm – B♭ – C |
| F♯ major | F♯ – D♯m – B – C♯ |
| G major | G – Em – C – D |
| A♭ major | A♭ – Fm – D♭ – E♭ |
| A major | A – F♯m – D – E |
| B♭ major | B♭ – Gm – E♭ – F |
| B major | B – G♯m – E – F♯ |
Songs that use it
Well-known songs built on this progression, at least in the section each is known for. Each title opens its sheet music on MuseScore.
- Stand by Me — Ben E. King
- Every Breath You Take — The Police
- Unchained Melody — The Righteous Brothers
- Earth Angel — The Penguins
See scores on MuseScore
What musicians say
- 5★5
- 4★0
- 3★1
- 2★0
- 1★0
クラシック～ジャズまでキーをC（ハ長調・ハ短調）でいくつものパターンを見聞きしましたが、とても分かり易くて良かった。
Frequently asked questions
- What chords are in the I–vi–IV–V progression in C major?
- In C major the I–vi–IV–V progression is C – Am – F – G. The same numerals give G – Em – C – D in G major; the table above lists all twelve keys.
- What is the I–vi–IV–V progression called?
- I–vi–IV–V is known as the '50s progression, and also as the doo-wop progression, ice cream changes and 1–6–4–5. The I–vi–IV–V progression is the doo-wop loop of the 1950s: a step down to the relative minor, then the subdominant and dominant push firmly back home, which is why it sounds warm, nostalgic and instantly singable.
- How long is the I–vi–IV–V progression?
- Each chord lasts 4 beats, so one pass of the 4 chords is 4 bars of 4/4. Loop it to keep the harmony going under a verse or a solo.
- What songs use the I–vi–IV–V progression?
- "Stand by Me" by Ben E. King, "Every Breath You Take" by The Police, "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers and "Earth Angel" by The Penguins are built on it, at least in the section each is known for.