vi–IV–I–V in D Major

Pattern: vi – IV – I – V Chords: Bm – G – D – A

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
vi	Bm (details)	minor	Submediant
IV	G (details)	major	Subdominant
I	D (details)	major	Tonic
V	A (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Bm (Submediant) → G (Subdominant) → D (Tonic) → A (Dominant).

The vi–IV–I–V progression is a rotation of the famous I–V–vi–IV that begins on the minor chord, giving it an emotionally ambiguous character. Starting on vi lends a more melancholic or introspective feel while retaining the same harmonic loop. It is equally at home in major and relative-minor contexts.

Song Examples

Numb — Linkin Park
Save Tonight — Eagle-Eye Cherry
Grenade — Bruno Mars

Chord Details

Bm G D A

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 I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V I–IV I–V IV–V IV–I V–I

Related Progressions

I–V–vi–IV I–vi–IV–V