I–ii–iii–IV–V–I in A♭ Major

Pattern: I – ii – iii – IV – V – I Chords: A♭ – Bbm – Cm – D♭ – E♭ – A♭

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	A♭ (details)	major	Tonic
ii	Bbm (details)	minor	Supertonic
iii	Cm (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) → Bbm (Supertonic) → Cm (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♭ Bbm Cm 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