I–IV–vi–V–iii–vi in E Major

Pattern: I – IV – vi – V – iii – vi Chords: E – A – C♯m – B – G♯m – C♯m

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	E (details)	major	Tonic
IV	A (details)	major	Subdominant
vi	C♯m (details)	minor	Submediant
V	B (details)	major	Dominant
iii	G♯m (details)	minor	Mediant
vi	C♯m (details)	minor	Submediant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through E (Tonic) → A (Subdominant) → C♯m (Submediant) → B (Dominant) → G♯m (Mediant) → C♯m (Submediant).

The I–IV–vi–V–iii–vi progression weaves through six chords, creating an extended harmonic journey that delays resolution. The iii–vi tail adds unexpected depth to what begins as a standard pop pattern. This longer cycle keeps listeners engaged through its constantly shifting emotional colors.

Song Examples

Drops of Jupiter — Train
Daughters — John Mayer

Chord Details

E A C♯m B G♯m

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