I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V in D♭ Major

Pattern: I – V – vi – iii – IV – I – IV – V Chords: D♭ – A♭ – Bbm – Fm – G♭ – D♭ – G♭ – A♭

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	D♭ (details)	major	Tonic
V	A♭ (details)	major	Dominant
vi	Bbm (details)	minor	Submediant
iii	Fm (details)	minor	Mediant
IV	G♭ (details)	major	Subdominant
I	D♭ (details)	major	Tonic
IV	G♭ (details)	major	Subdominant
V	A♭ (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through D♭ (Tonic) → A♭ (Dominant) → Bbm (Submediant) → Fm (Mediant) → G♭ (Subdominant) → D♭ (Tonic) → G♭ (Subdominant) → A♭ (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

Canon in D — Johann Pachelbel
Basket Case — Green Day
Memories — Maroon 5

Chord Details

D♭ A♭ Bbm Fm G♭

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–IV I–V IV–V IV–I V–I

Related Progressions

I–V–vi–IV I–vi–IV–V