ii–V–iii–vi in D Major

Pattern: ii – V – iii – vi Chords: Em – A – F♯m – Bm

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
ii	Em (details)	minor	Supertonic
V	A (details)	major	Dominant
iii	F♯m (details)	minor	Mediant
vi	Bm (details)	minor	Submediant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Em (Supertonic) → A (Dominant) → F♯m (Mediant) → Bm (Submediant).

Instead of resolving to I, the dominant moves to iii, which then continues the circle of fifths to vi. This back-cycling technique is a hallmark of bebop and post-bop composition.

Song Examples

Cherokee — Ray Noble
Confirmation — Charlie Parker

Chord Details

Em A F♯m Bm

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