I–ii–iii–IV–V in D Major

Pattern: I – ii – iii – IV – V Chords: D – Em – F♯m – G – A

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	D (details)	major	Tonic
ii	Em (details)	minor	Supertonic
iii	F♯m (details)	minor	Mediant
IV	G (details)	major	Subdominant
V	A (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through D (Tonic) → Em (Supertonic) → F♯m (Mediant) → G (Subdominant) → A (Dominant).

A stepwise ascending motion through the first five diatonic chords. The rising bass line creates a strong sense of building energy and forward momentum, often used in intros and verses.

Song Examples

Joy Spring — Clifford Brown
Solar — Miles Davis

Chord Details

D Em F♯m G 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