I–IV–ii–V–I in E Major
Pattern: I – IV – ii – V – I
Chords: E – A – F♯m – B – E
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | E (details) | major | Tonic |
| IV | A (details) | major | Subdominant |
| ii | F♯m (details) | minor | Supertonic |
| V | B (details) | major | Dominant |
| I | E (details) | major | Tonic |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through E (Tonic) → A (Subdominant) → F♯m (Supertonic) → B (Dominant) → E (Tonic).
A progression that approaches the dominant cadence via both subdominant chords (IV and ii), creating a strong pre-dominant preparation. This double subdominant approach is characteristic of Classical-period phrase endings.
Song Examples
- Sonata in A Major, K. 331 — Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Waltz in A-flat Major, Op. 39 No. 15 — Johannes Brahms