I–vi–IV–V–I in A Major

Pattern: I – vi – IV – V – I Chords: A – F♯m – D – E – A

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	A (details)	major	Tonic
vi	F♯m (details)	minor	Submediant
IV	D (details)	major	Subdominant
V	E (details)	major	Dominant
I	A (details)	major	Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

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

A balanced Classical-period progression that passes through the submediant and subdominant before a perfect authentic cadence. This satisfying harmonic arc appears in theme statements across symphonies, sonatas, and chamber works.

Song Examples

Piano Sonata No. 16 in C Major — Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
String Quartet No. 1 in F Major — Ludwig van Beethoven

Chord Details

A F♯m D 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