I–IV–vi–V–iii–vi in A Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

The I–IV–vi–V–iii–vi progression weaves through six chords, creating an extended harmonic journey that delays resolution. The iii–vi tail adds unexpected depth to what begins as a standard pop pattern. This longer cycle keeps listeners engaged through its constantly shifting emotional colors.

Song Examples

Drops of Jupiter — Train
Daughters — John Mayer

Chord Details

A D F♯m E C♯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