I–vi–ii–V in A Major

Pattern: I – vi – ii – V Chords: A – F♯m – Bm – E

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	A (details)	major	Tonic
vi	F♯m (details)	minor	Submediant
ii	Bm (details)	minor	Supertonic
V	E (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

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

Known as the '50s progression or ice cream changes, this turnaround was the harmonic engine of early rock and roll. It cycles smoothly through descending thirds and a ii–V resolution.

Song Examples

Stand by Me — Ben E. King
Blue Moon — The Marcels

Chord Details

A F♯m Bm 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