I–iii–IV–iv–V–I in D Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

D F♯m G Gm 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