I–IV–V–IV in E Major
Pattern: I – IV – V – IV
Chords: E – A – B – A
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | E (details) | major | Tonic |
| IV | A (details) | major | Subdominant |
| V | B (details) | major | Dominant |
| IV | A (details) | major | Subdominant |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through E (Tonic) → A (Subdominant) → B (Dominant) → A (Subdominant).
This four-bar loop cycles through the three primary blues chords in a symmetrical pattern. The ascending motion to V and descent back to IV creates a rocking, cyclical groove used extensively in blues rock.
Song Examples
- Hey Joe — Jimi Hendrix
- Gloria — Them