I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V in A Major

Pattern: I – V – vi – iii – IV – I – IV – V   Chords: A – E – F♯m – C♯m – D – A – D – E

Chord Breakdown

NumeralChordTypeFunction
I A (details) major Tonic
V E (details) major Dominant
vi F♯m (details) minor Submediant
iii C♯m (details) minor Mediant
IV D (details) major Subdominant
I A (details) major Tonic
IV D (details) major Subdominant
V E (details) major Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

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

Pachelbel's Canon progression is an eight-chord descending pattern originally composed around 1680. Its elegant stepwise bass line creates a sense of inevitability and grace that has made it one of the most borrowed progressions in pop music. From wedding ceremonies to chart-topping hits, this extended cycle continues to captivate listeners.

Song Examples

Chord Details

A E F♯m C♯m D

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–IV I–V IV–V IV–I V–I

Related Progressions

I–V–vi–IV I–vi–IV–V