I–V–vi–V in D Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

D A Bm

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