I–V–vi–IV–I–V in D♭ Major
Pattern: I – V – vi – IV – I – V
Chords: D♭ – A♭ – Bbm – G♭ – D♭ – A♭
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | D♭ (details) | major | Tonic |
| V | A♭ (details) | major | Dominant |
| vi | Bbm (details) | minor | Submediant |
| IV | G♭ (details) | major | Subdominant |
| I | D♭ (details) | major | Tonic |
| V | A♭ (details) | major | Dominant |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through D♭ (Tonic) → A♭ (Dominant) → Bbm (Submediant) → G♭ (Subdominant) → D♭ (Tonic) → A♭ (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