I–III–IV–iv in D♭ Major

Pattern: I – III – IV – iv   Chords: D♭ – F – G♭ – Gbm

Chord Breakdown

NumeralChordTypeFunction
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

Chord Details

More Progressions in D♭ Major