I–I–I–I–IV–IV–I–I–V–IV–I–V in E Major

Pattern: I – I – I – I – IV – IV – I – I – V – IV – I – V Chords: E – E – E – E – A – A – E – E – B – A – E – B

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	E (details)	major	Tonic
I	E (details)	major	Tonic
I	E (details)	major	Tonic
I	E (details)	major	Tonic
IV	A (details)	major	Subdominant
IV	A (details)	major	Subdominant
I	E (details)	major	Tonic
I	E (details)	major	Tonic
V	B (details)	major	Dominant
IV	A (details)	major	Subdominant
I	E (details)	major	Tonic
V	B (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through E (Tonic) → E (Tonic) → E (Tonic) → E (Tonic) → A (Subdominant) → A (Subdominant) → E (Tonic) → E (Tonic) → B (Dominant) → A (Subdominant) → E (Tonic) → B (Dominant).

The 12-bar blues is the most iconic chord progression in American music. This 12-measure form built on the I, IV, and V chords has been the foundation of blues, rock and roll, and jazz for over a century.

Song Examples

Sweet Home Chicago — Robert Johnson
Hound Dog — Elvis Presley
Rock Around the Clock — Bill Haley & His Comets

Chord Details

E A B

More Progressions in E 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