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