IV–V in A Major

Pattern: IV – V Chords: D – E

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
IV	D (details)	major	Subdominant
V	E (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through D (Subdominant) → E (Dominant).

The IV–V motion is the classic approach to a cadence, building energy from the subdominant to the dominant. It appears constantly as a turnaround or pre-chorus device in popular music.

Song Examples

Hey Jude — The Beatles
No Woman, No Cry — Bob Marley

Chord Details

D 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–I V–I