I–IV–V in A Major

Pattern: I – IV – V Chords: A – D – E

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	A (details)	major	Tonic
IV	D (details)	major	Subdominant
V	E (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

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

The I–IV–V progression uses only the three major chords of a key, making it the simplest and most universal harmonic framework. It drives countless folk, blues, rock, and country songs with its open, unresolved energy. Many musicians learn this as their very first chord progression.

Song Examples

Johnny B. Goode — Chuck Berry
Hound Dog — Elvis Presley
Louie Louie — The Kingsmen

Chord Details

A D E

More Progressions in A Major

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

Related Progressions

I–IV–V–I i–iv–v I–♭VII–IV