vi–IV–I–V · G major

Em – C – G – D

viEm · E G B

IVC · C E G

IG · G B D

VD · D F♯ A

Em – C – G – D: the same four chords as I–V–vi–IV, started on the minor one. The Cranberries’ “Zombie” turns on this order. In G major they are vi, IV, I and V.

Smooth voicings — root in the left hand

The right hand takes whichever inversion is nearest, so it moves by a step or two instead of jumping.

Em vi · root position

1 · ♭3 · 5 over E in the bass

C IV · first inversion

3 · 5 · 1 over C in the bass

G I · second inversion

5 · 1 · 3 over G in the bass

D V · root position

1 · 3 · 5 over D in the bass

Why it works

Starting on the minor chord makes the whole loop sound minor and searching, though not one chord has changed — the order of the same four chords is the whole difference.

vi–IV–I–V in every key

C major D♭ major D major E♭ major E major F major F♯ major G major A♭ major A major B♭ major B major

More progressions in G

ii–V–I in G major ii–V–i in G minor I–V–vi–IV in G major I–vi–IV–V in G major I–IV–V in G major

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