I–iii–IV–V in D Major

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

Chord Breakdown

NumeralChordTypeFunction
I D (details) major Tonic
iii F♯m (details) minor Mediant
IV G (details) major Subdominant
V A (details) major Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

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

The iii chord acts as a smooth stepping stone between I and IV, adding a touch of minor color. This creates an elegant, ascending quality that works beautifully in ballads and mid-tempo songs.

Song Examples

Chord Details

More Progressions in D Major