I–V–I–V in E Major
Pattern: I – V – I – V
Chords: E – B – E – B
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | E (details) | major | Tonic |
| V | B (details) | major | Dominant |
| I | E (details) | major | Tonic |
| V | B (details) | major | Dominant |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through E (Tonic) → B (Dominant) → E (Tonic) → B (Dominant).
The simplest possible four-bar pattern, bouncing between tonic and dominant. This back-and-forth motion is the foundation of countless campfire songs and traditional folk tunes.
Song Examples
- Oh! Susanna — Stephen Foster
- Clementine — Traditional