I–IV–I–V in E Major
Pattern: I – IV – I – V
Chords: E – A – E – B
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | E (details) | major | Tonic |
| IV | A (details) | major | Subdominant |
| I | E (details) | major | Tonic |
| V | B (details) | major | Dominant |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through E (Tonic) → A (Subdominant) → E (Tonic) → B (Dominant).
This progression swings from tonic to subdominant, returns home, and then lifts to the dominant. The return to I in the middle provides a strong grounding effect before the dominant creates forward motion.
Song Examples
- La Bamba — Ritchie Valens
- Louie Louie — The Kingsmen