I–III–IV–iv in D♭ Major
Pattern: I – III – IV – iv
Chords: D♭ – F – G♭ – Gbm
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | D♭ (details) | major | Tonic |
| III | F (details) | major | Mediant |
| IV | G♭ (details) | major | Subdominant |
| iv | Gbm (details) | minor | Subdominant |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through D♭ (Tonic) → F (Mediant) → G♭ (Subdominant) → Gbm (Subdominant).
The I–III–IV–iv progression features a chromatic ascent from I to IV via a secondary dominant III, then darkens with a borrowed minor iv. The III chord (V/vi) adds unexpected brightness while the iv creates a ♭ittersweet descent. This pattern appears in classic rock and singer-songwriter music.
Song Examples
- Something — The Beatles
- My Girl — The Temptations