C# Unresolved Cycle

IV – V – I – vi progression in C# major

C♯ major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
IVF#
VG#
IC#
viA#m

Triad Diagrams — C# Unresolved Cycle (Guitar)

C# Unresolved CycleIV – V – I – vi

The C# IV–V–I–vi progression (F# – G# – C# – A#m) creates a hypnotic, cyclical feel by ending on the minor vi chord instead of resolving to the tonic. With extended voicings (F#Maj7 – G#7 – C#Maj7 – A#m7), the unresolved quality becomes even more dreamy.

Pop / RockDreamy & Cyclical4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): F#, G#, C#, A#m.

Chords (7th): F#Maj7, G#7, C#Maj7, A#m7.

Famous songs using this progression

  • Good Luck, Babe! – Chappell Roan
  • Umbrella – Rihanna