Practice

vi–IV–I–V

The 'Axis' progression reordered to start on the relative minor, giving the same four chords a moodier, more urgent opening. Because it shares its chords with I-V-vi-IV, songs in this progression often feel like cousins of doo-wop and pop-rock hits.

Roman numerals: vi–IV–I–V — heard in Zombie, Grenade, and Africa.

The vi–IV–I–V progression

The 'Axis' progression reordered to start on the relative minor, giving the same four chords a moodier, more urgent opening. Because it shares its chords with I-V-vi-IV, songs in this progression often feel like cousins of doo-wop and pop-rock hits.

Roman-numeral formula: vi–IV–I–V.

Example in the key of C

Played in the key of C, vi–IV–I–V becomes:

  1. Am — the vi chord
  2. F — the IV chord
  3. C — the I chord
  4. G — the V chord

Tap any chord above for fingerings and voicings, or build this progression yourself in the progression builder.

Famous songs that use it

  • Zombie
  • Grenade
  • Africa