I–V–I–IV–V–I in E Major

Pattern: I – V – I – IV – V – I   Chords: E – B – E – A – B – E

Chord Breakdown

NumeralChordTypeFunction
I E (details) major Tonic
V B (details) major Dominant
I E (details) major Tonic
IV A (details) major Subdominant
V B (details) major Dominant
I E (details) major Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through E (Tonic) → B (Dominant) → E (Tonic) → A (Subdominant) → B (Dominant) → E (Tonic).

A symmetrical period structure typical of Baroque keyboard music, establishing the tonic with a half cadence before a full cadential close. This harmonic blueprint appears in dance movements, preludes, and inventions.

Song Examples

Chord Details

More Progressions in E Major