I–V–vi–ii in D Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

Can't Help Falling in Love — Elvis Presley
All of Me — John Legend

Chord Details

D A Bm Em

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