I–V–I–IV in A Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

This progression shuffles between the three primary chords with a return to I in the middle. The pattern creates a natural, rolling feel that fits the rhythmic pulse of country and folk music.

Song Examples

Ring of Fire — Johnny Cash
Folsom Prison Blues — Johnny Cash

Chord Details

A E D

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