I–ii–V–I in D Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

The most straightforward jazz cadence, framing a ii–V–I within a complete tonic-to-tonic phrase. Its simplicity makes it an ideal vehicle for learning jazz improvisation and chord substitution techniques.

Song Examples

Autumn Leaves — Joseph Kosma
Blue Bossa — Kenny Dorham

Chord Details

D Em 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