I–III–IV–iv in F♯ Major
Pattern: I – III – IV – iv
Chords: F♯ – A♯ – B – Bm
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | F♯ (details) | major | Tonic |
| III | A♯ (details) | major | Mediant |
| IV | B (details) | major | Subdominant |
| iv | Bm (details) | minor | Subdominant |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through F♯ (Tonic) → A♯ (Mediant) → B (Subdominant) → Bm (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