I - iii - IV - V

Also known as a pop variation with the mediant.

Like the classic pop and fifties loops but with the iii chord where the vi would normally sit. The mediant shares two notes with the tonic, so the opening feels smoother and less obvious. Songwriters reach for it when I-vi-IV-V starts to sound too familiar.

Hear it in different keys

In G major

I G iiim Bm IV C V D

Download MIDI

In C major

I C iiim Em IV F V G

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Each key above has a MIDI download with every chord played back to back, ready to drop into any DAW or notation program.

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.