I–V–vi–IV–I–V in A♭ Major
Pattern: I – V – vi – IV – I – V
Chords: A♭ – E♭ – Fm – D♭ – A♭ – E♭
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | A♭ (details) | major | Tonic |
| V | E♭ (details) | major | Dominant |
| vi | Fm (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) → Fm (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