Tonic Parallel

50s Progression (I-vi-IV-V)

I-vi-IV-V

progression

At a Glance

Formula:
I-vi-IV-V
overviewrelatedpractice

Illustrated in C major.

Diagram type

I – vi – IV – V

I: C×○○321
vi: Am×○○231
IV: F123411
V: G○○○213

What It Is

Tonic, relative-minor-substitute, subdominant, dominant - the classic doo-wop chord loop.

How It Functions

A smooth, singable cycle through all three harmonic functions before resolving back to the tonic.

Real Song Examples

Real song examples aren't available yet - check back soon.

Practice This

Review this concept with a spaced-repetition flashcard.

Start Practice

Ask the Tutor

Ask the Theory Tutor anything about this concept.

Ask About This