IV–I in A♭ Major

Pattern: IV – I Chords: D♭ – A♭

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
IV	D♭ (details)	major	Subdominant
I	A♭ (details)	major	Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through D♭ (Subdominant) → A♭ (Tonic).

The IV–I motion is known as the plagal cadence or "Amen cadence" due to its long history in hymns. It provides a gentle, satisfying resolution without the sharp pull of the dominant.

Song Examples

Let It Be — The Beatles
With or Without You — U2

Chord Details

D♭ A♭

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 V–I