vi–IV–I–V chord progression
Axis rotation — vi–IV–I–V · also called the the sensitive progression, 6–4–1–5
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The vi–IV–I–V progression uses the same four chords as I–V–vi–IV but starts on the minor chord, so the loop opens in shadow and brightens as it goes — the signature sound of countless pop ballads and anthems.
It moves from the submediant (vi) to the subdominant (IV) to the tonic (I) 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 Am – F – C – G; in G major they are Em – C – G – 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.
vi–IV–I–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 | Am – F – C – G |
| D♭ major | B♭m – G♭ – D♭ – A♭ |
| D major | Bm – G – D – A |
| E♭ major | Cm – A♭ – E♭ – B♭ |
| E major | C♯m – A – E – B |
| F major | Dm – B♭ – F – C |
| F♯ major | D♯m – B – F♯ – C♯ |
| G major | Em – C – G – D |
| A♭ major | Fm – D♭ – A♭ – E♭ |
| A major | F♯m – D – A – E |
| B♭ major | Gm – E♭ – B♭ – F |
| B major | G♯m – E – B – F♯ |
Songs that use it
Well-known songs built on this progression, at least in the section each is known for:
- Complicated — Avril Lavigne
- Despacito — Luis Fonsi
- Save Tonight — Eagle-Eye Cherry
- Otherside — Red Hot Chili Peppers
Frequently asked questions
- What chords are in the vi–IV–I–V progression in C major?
- In C major the vi–IV–I–V progression is Am – F – C – G. The same numerals give Em – C – G – D in G major; the table above lists all twelve keys.
- What is the vi–IV–I–V progression called?
- vi–IV–I–V is known as the Axis rotation, and also as the the sensitive progression and 6–4–1–5. The vi–IV–I–V progression uses the same four chords as I–V–vi–IV but starts on the minor chord, so the loop opens in shadow and brightens as it goes — the signature sound of countless pop ballads and anthems.
- How long is the vi–IV–I–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 vi–IV–I–V progression?
- "Complicated" by Avril Lavigne, "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi, "Save Tonight" by Eagle-Eye Cherry and "Otherside" by Red Hot Chili Peppers are built on it, at least in the section each is known for.