I–V–vi–IV–V in D Major

Pattern: I – V – vi – IV – V Chords: D – A – Bm – G – A

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	D (details)	major	Tonic
V	A (details)	major	Dominant
vi	Bm (details)	minor	Submediant
IV	G (details)	major	Subdominant
V	A (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through D (Tonic) → A (Dominant) → Bm (Submediant) → G (Subdominant) → A (Dominant).

A Classical sentence structure that moves through a deceptive resolution before arriving at a half cadence on V. This open-ended phrase creates expectation for a consequent phrase and is common in sonata-form exposition themes.

Song Examples

Symphony No. 6 (Pastoral) — Ludwig van Beethoven
Piano Sonata No. 8 (Pathetique) — Ludwig van Beethoven

Chord Details

D A Bm G

More Progressions in D 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