I–iii–IV–iv–V–I in A Major

Pattern: I – iii – IV – iv – V – I Chords: A – C♯m – D – Dm – E – A

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

The I–iii–IV–iv–V–I progression features a chromatic inner voice that descends through the IV-to-iv shift, creating a ♭ittersweet moment of modal mixture. This borrowed minor iv chord adds emotional depth to an otherwise diatonic progression. It is a hallmark of sophisticated pop songwriting.

Song Examples

Creep — Radiohead
Space Oddity — David Bowie

Chord Details

A C♯m D Dm 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