I–I–I–I–IV–IV–I–I–V–IV–I–V in A Major

Pattern: I – I – I – I – IV – IV – I – I – V – IV – I – V Chords: A – A – A – A – D – D – A – A – E – D – A – E

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	A (details)	major	Tonic
I	A (details)	major	Tonic
I	A (details)	major	Tonic
I	A (details)	major	Tonic
IV	D (details)	major	Subdominant
IV	D (details)	major	Subdominant
I	A (details)	major	Tonic
I	A (details)	major	Tonic
V	E (details)	major	Dominant
IV	D (details)	major	Subdominant
I	A (details)	major	Tonic
V	E (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through A (Tonic) → A (Tonic) → A (Tonic) → A (Tonic) → D (Subdominant) → D (Subdominant) → A (Tonic) → A (Tonic) → E (Dominant) → D (Subdominant) → A (Tonic) → E (Dominant).

The 12-bar blues is the most iconic chord progression in American music. This 12-measure form built on the I, IV, and V chords has been the foundation of blues, rock and roll, and jazz for over a century.

Song Examples

Sweet Home Chicago — Robert Johnson
Hound Dog — Elvis Presley
Rock Around the Clock — Bill Haley & His Comets

Chord Details

A D E

More Progressions in A Major

I–IV–V–I I–V–vi–IV I–vi–IV–V ii–V–I I–IV–V I–♭VII–IV vi–IV–I–V I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V I–IV I–V IV–V IV–I