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Progression · Pop

vi–IV–I–V Progression

The same four chords as the "four-chord song," started on the minor vi — wistful and anthemic.

The Progression

IIVVvi
Am vi → F IV → C I → G V

Why It Works

Hear It Played Through

Load the whole progression into the Studio.

Drop vi–IV–I–V straight into the interactive looper, hit play, and hear the full sequence cycle.

Play vi–IV–I–V in the Studio →

Questions about the vi–IV–I–V progression

Why does vi-IV-I-V sound sadder than I-V-vi-IV?

Same four chords, different starting point. Beginning on the minor vi means the listener's ear takes the vi as 'home,' colouring the whole loop with that minor mood — even though the brighter I and V are still in there.

What key is this progression in?

C major, borrowing its relative minor feel: Am is the vi, F the IV, C the I and G the V. Many songs that use it feel like they're hovering between A minor and C major, which is part of its emotional pull.

Is this really the same as the four-chord song?

The chords are identical — Am, F, C, G are the same as C, G, Am, F reordered. What changes is where the loop begins, and that single choice is enough to take the progression from upbeat to bittersweet.

Related progressions & chords

I–V–vi–IVPopI–vi–ii–VJazz AmChordFChordCChordGChord