V–vi–IV–V in D♭ Major

Pattern: V – vi – IV – V Chords: A♭ – Bbm – G♭ – A♭

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
V	A♭ (details)	major	Dominant
vi	Bbm (details)	minor	Submediant
IV	G♭ (details)	major	Subdominant
V	A♭ (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through A♭ (Dominant) → Bbm (Submediant) → G♭ (Subdominant) → A♭ (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

A♭ Bbm G♭

More Progressions in D♭ 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