I–I–I–I–IV–IV–I–I–V–IV–I–V in D Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

D G A

More Progressions in D 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