I–V–vi–IV (the ‘Axis’) (I–V–vi–IV)

The I–V–vi–IV (the ‘Axis’) progression: I–V–vi–IV — in the example key of C, that is C – G – Am – F.

Pop's most-borrowed progression, cycling from the bright tonic through the dominant into the relative minor before landing on the subdominant. It powers everything from arena ballads to open-mic singalongs. In the example key of C the chords are C – G – Am – F. Songs built on it include Let It Be; With or Without You; Don’t Stop Believin’. Its mood palette leans happy, nostalgic.