IV–I–V–vi in A Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

A rotation of the famous I–V–vi–IV, starting on the subdominant for an immediate sense of motion. Beginning on IV gives it a floating, uplifting quality that resolves beautifully through V to vi.

Song Examples

Firework — Katy Perry
Demons — Imagine Dragons

Chord Details

D A E F♯m

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