The I-IVsus-IV-V progression I-IVsus-IV-V

Level: EssentialMode: major
I Cmaj
IVsus Fsus4
IV Fmaj
V G7

Piano sound loads on first tap. Resolved in the key of C — every chord links to its full analysis.

What each degree does

ICmaj

Feels like home — complete rest, where the piece departs from and returns to. The major tonic, where everything settles.

IVsusFsus4

The suspended subdominant — the 4th floats over IV, airing out that already-open degree even further before the 3rd resolves.

IVFmaj

A step out from home into the light — the subdominant. It sets up the dominant or resolves with a plagal ('amen') colour, opening space without sharp tension.

VG7

Tension pulling home — the chord that 'wants to resolve' to I; it closes or opens sections. The dominant, the engine of the key.

More progressions of this level