V–vi–IV–V in A Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

A progression that evades the expected tonic resolution by moving to vi, then circles back through IV to re-establish dominant tension. This technique extends phrases in Classical sonata development sections.

Song Examples

Symphony No. 94 (Surprise) — Joseph Haydn
Piano Concerto No. 21 — Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Chord Details

E F♯m D

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