I–vi–ii–V in D Major

Pattern: I – vi – ii – V Chords: D – Bm – Em – A

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	D (details)	major	Tonic
vi	Bm (details)	minor	Submediant
ii	Em (details)	minor	Supertonic
V	A (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through D (Tonic) → Bm (Submediant) → Em (Supertonic) → A (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

D Bm Em A

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