I-iii-IV-V (The Climb)
What do Otis Redding and Jason Mraz have in common? A chord almost no one uses
I-iii-IV-V. The iii chord (mediant) adds a bittersweet flavor that I-IV-V doesn't have. The Dock of the Bay, I'm Yours, Puff the Magic Dragon — ballads that climb and reach the heart.
IiiiIVV
Famous songs
The Dock of the Bay (Otis Redding) · I'm Yours (Jason Mraz) · Puff the Magic Dragon (Peter Paul & Mary)
Did you know?
The iii chord is the "secret chord" of Japanese pop. J-Pop and anime use it constantly to create the bittersweet feeling that defines the genre.