I–iii–vi–IV in A Major

Pattern: I – iii – vi – IV Chords: A – C♯m – F♯m – D

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	A (details)	major	Tonic
iii	C♯m (details)	minor	Mediant
vi	F♯m (details)	minor	Submediant
IV	D (details)	major	Subdominant

Harmonic Analysis

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

This progression moves by descending thirds from I to iii to vi, then resolves to IV. The smooth voice leading between chords that share common tones creates a lush, flowing harmonic texture.

Song Examples

Creep — Radiohead
Stay with Me — Sam Smith

Chord Details

A C♯m F♯m D

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