I–vi–IV–ii in D Major

Pattern: I – vi – IV – ii Chords: D – Bm – G – Em

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	D (details)	major	Tonic
vi	Bm (details)	minor	Submediant
IV	G (details)	major	Subdominant
ii	Em (details)	minor	Supertonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through D (Tonic) → Bm (Submediant) → G (Subdominant) → Em (Supertonic).

The I–vi–IV–ii progression descends by thirds through alternating major and minor chords, creating a smooth, cascading motion. Each chord shares two common tones with the next, producing seamless voice leading. This elegant pattern appears in jazz ballads and sophisticated pop arrangements.

Song Examples

Georgia on My Mind — Ray Charles
The Nearness of You — Hoagy Carmichael

Chord Details

D Bm G Em

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