v6–I in A Major

Pattern: v6 – I Chords: Em6 – A

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
v6	Em6 (details)	minor sixth	Dominant
I	A (details)	major	Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Em6 (Dominant) → A (Tonic).

The v6–I progression uses a minor sixth chord built on the fifth degree as a colorful substitute for the dominant, resolving to the major tonic. The minor quality with the added sixth creates a softer, more ambiguous approach than the standard V–I, lending a sophisticated, understated quality to the resolution. This substitution is found in jazz arrangements and cinematic harmony.

Song Examples

Michelle — The Beatles
The Nearness of You — jazz standard
In a Sentimental Mood — Duke Ellington

Chord Details

Em6 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 IV–I

Related Progressions

V–I i6–iv V7–I