I–V–IV–V in A Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

This four-chord loop anchors on the tonic, bounces between the dominant and subdominant, and returns to the dominant for a driving feel. It creates a powerful, cyclical energy ideal for rock anthems.

Song Examples

Summer of '69 — Bryan Adams
Can't Stop — Red Hot Chili Peppers

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