I–V–vi–IV–I in E Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

An extension of the ubiquitous I–V–vi–IV progression, adding a return to the tonic for a satisfying resolution. The extra I chord at the end gives phrases a conclusive landing point.

Song Examples

Someone Like You — Adele
Viva la Vida — Coldplay

Chord Details

E B C♯m A

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