I–ii–V in D Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

The ii chord acts as a smooth bridge between the tonic and dominant in this three-chord country pattern. The minor quality of the ii adds a touch of melancholy common in country songwriting.

Song Examples

Crazy — Patsy Cline
Always on My Mind — Willie Nelson

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