Royal Road Progression
The Royal Road progression is IV-V-iii-vi in a major key. In C major, those chords are F-G-Em-Am.
- IV-V-iii-vi
- C: F-G-Em-Am
- common in J-pop
Which chords make the pattern?
In C major, IV is F-A-C, V is G-B-D, iii is E-G-B and vi is A-C-E. Play one chord per bar. All four use notes from C major, yet the progression never plays a C-major tonic chord in its basic form.
Why is G to Em a distinctive move?
G major and E minor share G and B. After G, a listener may expect C; Em keeps two notes and changes the bass to E. The following Am moves toward another minor chord, giving the loop a continuing pull rather than a firm C-major cadence.
Where is this name used?
The pattern is known as odo shinko, often translated as 'Royal Road progression', in discussions of Japanese popular music. It is a harmonic pattern, not a guaranteed genre marker. Melody, rhythm and arrangement still determine how a particular song feels.
Can seventh chords be used?
Yes. Fmaj7-G7-Em7-Am7 keeps the IV-V-iii-vi roots while adding color and smoother shared-note connections. For a first hearing, begin with triads so the root movement is clear; then add sevenths one chord at a time.
Keep going
Everything in chord progressions
- The Backdoor Progression
- The Progression Explorer
- How Chord Progressions Work
- Royal Road Progression