I–ii–IV–V in D Major

Pattern: I – ii – IV – V Chords: D – Em – G – A

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	D (details)	major	Tonic
ii	Em (details)	minor	Supertonic
IV	G (details)	major	Subdominant
V	A (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through D (Tonic) → Em (Supertonic) → G (Subdominant) → A (Dominant).

This progression creates a sense of escalating energy by stepping from the tonic through the supertonic and subdominant to the dominant. It provides a satisfying, gradual harmonic build popular in verse sections.

Song Examples

Take Me Home, Country Roads — John Denver
Crocodile Rock — Elton John

Chord Details

D Em G A

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