A Unresolved Cycle

IV – V – I – vi progression in A major

A major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
IVD
VE
IA
viF#m

Triad Diagrams — A Unresolved Cycle (Guitar)

A Unresolved CycleIV – V – I – vi

The A IV–V–I–vi progression (D – E – A – F#m) creates a hypnotic, cyclical feel by ending on the minor vi chord instead of resolving to the tonic. With extended voicings (DMaj7 – E7 – AMaj7 – F#m7), the unresolved quality becomes even more dreamy.

Pop / RockDreamy & Cyclical4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): D, E, A, F#m.

Chords (7th): DMaj7, E7, AMaj7, F#m7.

Famous songs using this progression

  • Good Luck, Babe! – Chappell Roan
  • Umbrella – Rihanna