IV–I–V–vi in A♭ Major
Pattern: IV – I – V – vi
Chords: D♭ – A♭ – E♭ – Fm
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| IV | D♭ (details) | major | Subdominant |
| I | A♭ (details) | major | Tonic |
| V | E♭ (details) | major | Dominant |
| vi | Fm (details) | minor | Submediant |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through D♭ (Subdominant) → A♭ (Tonic) → E♭ (Dominant) → Fm (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