I–ii–IV in D Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

This ascending three-chord progression steps up from the tonic through the supertonic to the subdominant. The stepwise motion creates a gentle, climbing quality that pairs naturally with folk storytelling.

Song Examples

The Times They Are a-Changin' — Bob Dylan
Fast Car — Tracy Chapman

Chord Details

D Em 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–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V I–IV I–V IV–V IV–I