I–IV–ii–V–I in D Major

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

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	D (details)	major	Tonic
IV	G (details)	major	Subdominant
ii	Em (details)	minor	Supertonic
V	A (details)	major	Dominant
I	D (details)	major	Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

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

A progression that approaches the dominant cadence via both subdominant chords (IV and ii), creating a strong pre-dominant preparation. This double subdominant approach is characteristic of Classical-period phrase endings.

Song Examples

Sonata in A Major, K. 331 — Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Waltz in A-flat Major, Op. 39 No. 15 — Johannes Brahms

Chord Details

D G Em A

More Progressions in D 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