1. Home
  2. Chord progressions
  3. I - vi - ii - V

I - vi - ii - V

Also known as a circle-of-fifths turnaround.

A relative of the '50s progression that swaps the IV for a ii chord. The roots now descend around the circle of fifths for three chords running, giving the same overall shape a slightly more sophisticated pull toward the final V.

Hear it in different keys

In A major

I A vim F#m iim Bm V E

In D# major

I D# vim Cm iim Fm V A#

Roman numerals show scale degree and quality: uppercase for major, lowercase for minor, a small circle for diminished. Tap any chord above to open its full page, with a diagram and playback.