Royal road progression (IV–V–iii–vi): chords and sound
The royal road progression IVmaj7–V7–iii7–vi (Fmaj7 G7 Em7 Am in C) is the signature of J-pop and anime songs. Hear it and get it in all 12 keys.
The royal road progression (ōdō shinkō in Japanese) is IVmaj7–V7–iii7–vi: in C major, Fmaj7 – G7 – Em7 – Am. It is a staple of Japanese pop and anime music: it starts away from home, builds on V, then slides to a minor chord instead of resolving.
Listen in C major
Or one chord at a time:
What does Royal road progression sound like?
Bittersweet and longing: the expected resolution to I never comes, and the vi lands softly instead.
Songs that use Royal road progression
The progression is extremely common in J-pop, but we have not verified individual songs note by note, so none are listed yet.
How to recognise it by ear
- It begins on IV, not on I: the ear waits for home and is denied it.
- V7 avoids the expected I and slips to iii7, which shares two notes with I: the ear hears an almost-arrival.
- Often written simply IV–V–iii–vi with triads.
Quick test: which progression?
Each sound plays the chords one after another. Pick the progression.
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Royal road progression in all 12 major keys
Chords built from the Roman numerals IVmaj7 V7 iii7 vi on each key's own scale.
| Key | Chords | Hear it |
|---|---|---|
| C major | Fmaj7 – G7 – Em7 – Am | |
| G major | Cmaj7 – D7 – Bm7 – Em | |
| D major | Gmaj7 – A7 – F♯m7 – Bm | |
| A major | Dmaj7 – E7 – C♯m7 – F♯m | |
| E major | Amaj7 – B7 – G♯m7 – C♯m | |
| B major | Emaj7 – F♯7 – D♯m7 – G♯m | |
| F♯ major | Bmaj7 – C♯7 – A♯m7 – D♯m | |
| D♭ major | G♭maj7 – A♭7 – Fm7 – B♭m | |
| A♭ major | D♭maj7 – E♭7 – Cm7 – Fm | |
| E♭ major | A♭maj7 – B♭7 – Gm7 – Cm | |
| B♭ major | E♭maj7 – F7 – Dm7 – Gm | |
| F major | B♭maj7 – C7 – Am7 – Dm |
Frequently asked questions
What are the chords of the royal road progression in C?
F major 7, G7, E minor 7, A minor (IVmaj7 V7 iii7 vi). With plain triads: F G Em Am.
Why is it called the royal road?
It translates the Japanese name ōdō shinkō, often rendered "royal road progression", reflecting how standard it is in J-pop.
Why does it sound sad?
It avoids the tonic chord and lands on the minor vi, so it feels unresolved and wistful.
What is the royal road in G?
Cmaj7, D7, Bm7, Em.