The I-Vsus-V-IV progression I-Vsus-V-IV

Level: EssentialMode: major
I Cmaj
Vsus Gsus4
V G7
IV Fmaj

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.

VsusGsus4

The suspended dominant — it delays the leading tone by putting the 4th in its place, so the pull toward I is postponed and softened before V resolves.

VG7

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

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.

More progressions of this level