I–IV–V–IV in D Major

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

Chord Breakdown

NumeralChordTypeFunction
I D (details) major Tonic
IV G (details) major Subdominant
V A (details) major Dominant
IV G (details) major Subdominant

Harmonic Analysis

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

This four-bar loop cycles through the three primary blues chords in a symmetrical pattern. The ascending motion to V and descent back to IV creates a rocking, cyclical groove used extensively in blues rock.

Song Examples

Chord Details

More Progressions in D Major