I–V–vi–ii in A Major

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

Chord Breakdown

NumeralChordTypeFunction
I A (details) major Tonic
V E (details) major Dominant
vi F♯m (details) minor Submediant
ii Bm (details) minor Supertonic

Harmonic Analysis

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

The I–V–vi–ii progression descends through the circle of fifths, creating smooth harmonic motion that naturally wants to continue to V and resolve. This falling-fifths pattern generates elegant forward momentum. It appears in pop ballads and jazz-influenced songwriting.

Song Examples

Chord Details

More Progressions in A Major