I–ii–iii–IV–V–I in A Major

Pattern: I – ii – iii – IV – V – I Chords: A – Bm – C♯m – D – E – A

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	A (details)	major	Tonic
ii	Bm (details)	minor	Supertonic
iii	C♯m (details)	minor	Mediant
IV	D (details)	major	Subdominant
V	E (details)	major	Dominant
I	A (details)	major	Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through A (Tonic) → Bm (Supertonic) → C♯m (Mediant) → D (Subdominant) → E (Dominant) → A (Tonic).

The I–ii–iii–IV–V–I progression ascends stepwise through the major scale's diatonic chords before cadencing home. This scalewise motion creates a sense of inevitable, building momentum toward the dominant resolution. It appears in classical themes and sophisticated pop arrangements.

Song Examples

Pachelbel's Canon (adapted) — Johann Pachelbel
Mr. Brightside (bridge) — The Killers

Chord Details

A Bm C♯m D E

More Progressions in A 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