I–iii–IV–iv–V–I in F♯ Major

Pattern: I – iii – IV – iv – V – I Chords: F♯ – A♯m – B – Bm – C♯ – F♯

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	F♯ (details)	major	Tonic
iii	A♯m (details)	minor	Mediant
IV	B (details)	major	Subdominant
iv	Bm (details)	minor	Subdominant
V	C♯ (details)	major	Dominant
I	F♯ (details)	major	Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through F♯ (Tonic) → A♯m (Mediant) → B (Subdominant) → Bm (Subdominant) → C♯ (Dominant) → F♯ (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

F♯ A♯m B Bm C♯

More Progressions in F♯ 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