I–V–vi–V in A Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

This progression dips into the relative minor before returning to the dominant, creating a wistful, storytelling quality. The repeated V chord frames the vi, making it a poignant focal point for ballads.

Song Examples

Scarborough Fair — Simon & Garfunkel
If I Die Young — The Band Perry

Chord Details

A E F♯m

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