Chord function: I-IV-V-vi and ii-V-I

Tonic, Predominant, and Dominant Function

Chord function describes what a chord is doing inside a key. I is tonic, IV and ii often act as predominants, and V is the clearest dominant because it points strongly back to tonic.

I-IV-V-vi is common in pop because it stays inside the key while balancing stability and motion. ii-V-I is common in jazz because it creates a stronger functional chain into tonic.

Thinking in function helps you predict what a progression wants to do next instead of memorizing isolated chord symbols.

Function in a Pop Loop

Study I-V-vi-IV in C and track the harmonic roles instead of just the chord names. The progression starts at home, departs, darkens, and then opens before looping again.

Practice ii-V-I Resolution

• Say the function of each chord before you play it
• Notice how ii prepares the dominant
• Feel the tension increase on V7
• Treat Imaj7 as the point of release