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PRINCIPIANTE

I-IV-vi-V (J-Pop / Royal Road)

Why do anime openings sound so epic?

I-IV-vi-V is the 'Royal Road Progression' — the favorite of J-Pop and anime soundtracks. A variation of the 4 magic chords with IV first, giving more energy from the start.

IIVviV
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Complete guide

Level: Elementary Styles: Pop

🎵 Royal Road Progression

Although the classic "Royal Road" is IV-V-iii-vi, this variant (I-IV-vi-V) captures the same heroic, optimistic energy but starts from the tonic. It is extremely popular in modern Asian music.

It feels like an adventure that keeps moving forward.

🎹 In C Major

  1. C (I)
  2. F (IV)
  3. Am (vi)
  4. G (V)

Notice how the bass rises (C → F) and then resolves the phrase melodically.