I–IV–ii–V–I in E Major

Pattern: I – IV – ii – V – I   Chords: E – A – F♯m – B – E

Chord Breakdown

NumeralChordTypeFunction
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

Chord Details

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