I–IV–V–vi in A Major

Pattern: I – IV – V – vi Chords: A – D – E – F♯m

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	A (details)	major	Tonic
IV	D (details)	major	Subdominant
V	E (details)	major	Dominant
vi	F♯m (details)	minor	Submediant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through A (Tonic) → D (Subdominant) → E (Dominant) → F♯m (Submediant).

Building on the classic I–IV–V, this progression takes an unexpected turn to the relative minor. The vi chord at the end adds a wistful, unresolved quality that keeps the listener engaged.

Song Examples

Africa — Toto
Don't Stop Believin' — Journey

Chord Details

A D E F♯m

More Progressions in A Major

I–IV–V–I I–V–vi–IV I–vi–IV–V ii–V–I I–IV–V I–♭VII–IV vi–IV–I–V I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V I–IV I–V IV–V IV–I