I–V–vi–IV–I–V in A Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

The I–V–vi–IV–I–V extends the ubiquitous pop progression by adding a resolution and reopening with the dominant. This six-chord cycle creates a longer phrase that breathes and resets, ideal for verse-chorus structures that need more harmonic real estate.

Song Examples

With or Without You — U2
Counting Stars — OneRepublic

Chord Details

A E F♯m 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