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Major 4 Subdominant

C · G · Dm · F

C
I
G
V
Dm
ii
F
IV
Key
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Major 4 Subdominant in C major

Major 4 Subdominant is I · V · ii · IV. In C major that is C, G, Dm, F. Major 4 variant replacing vi with ii for a brighter feel. Loop those chords in order. The same pattern works in any major key.

Songs that use this

  • Just Like Heaven · The Cure
  • Closing Time · Semisonic
  • All Star · Smash Mouth

Why it works

In C major this loop is C, G, Dm, F (I · V · ii · IV). I is the home chord. V pulls away from home and wants to resolve. IV moves the song forward without leaving the key. Play the chords in order and the pattern is easy to hear on ukulele.

Chords in C major

Jump to each shape used in this loop.

CGDmF

Try in other keys

Same Roman numerals; chords transpose with the key.

C major → C · G · Dm · FD major → D · A · Em · GE major → E · B · F#m · AF major → F · C · Gm · BbG major → G · D · Am · CA major → A · E · Bm · DB major → B · F# · C#m · E

Related progressions

Major 4Major 4 RotationStepwise PopPop Rotation LiftDoo-Wop Variant

Frequently asked questions

What is the Major 4 Subdominant ukulele chord progression?

Major 4 Subdominant is the I–V–ii–IV chord loop. In C major that is C, G, Dm, and F. Major 4 variant replacing vi with ii for a brighter feel.

What do the roman numerals mean in Major 4 Subdominant?

Roman numerals mark each chord's role in the key, not fixed chord names. Uppercase is major, lowercase is minor. Major 4 Subdominant uses I–V–ii–IV. Change the key and the roles stay; the chord names move with it. In C major you play C, G, Dm, F.

How do you practice Major 4 Subdominant on ukulele?

Loop C, G, Dm, and F. Change on the first beat of each bar and keep the strum steady. If one change is hard, practice that pair slowly, then play the full loop again.

What songs use the Major 4 Subdominant progression?

Songs built on Major 4 Subdominant include Just Like Heaven, Closing Time, and All Star.

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