I–iii–vi–V in D♭ Major
Pattern: I – iii – vi – V
Chords: D♭ – Fm – Bbm – A♭
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | D♭ (details) | major | Tonic |
| iii | Fm (details) | minor | Mediant |
| vi | Bbm (details) | minor | Submediant |
| V | A♭ (details) | major | Dominant |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through D♭ (Tonic) → Fm (Mediant) → Bbm (Submediant) → A♭ (Dominant).
The I–iii–vi–V progression moves through the mediant and submediant before landing on the dominant, creating a turnaround with a ♭ittersweet, wandering quality. The iii chord adds an unusual harmonic color that distinguishes it from more common progressions. This pattern appears in jazz standards and art pop.
Song Examples
- Close to You — The Carpenters
- Here, There and Everywhere — The Beatles