I–V–vi–IV–V in E Major

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

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
V	B (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

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

A Classical sentence structure that moves through a deceptive resolution before arriving at a half cadence on V. This open-ended phrase creates expectation for a consequent phrase and is common in sonata-form exposition themes.

Song Examples

Symphony No. 6 (Pastoral) — Ludwig van Beethoven
Piano Sonata No. 8 (Pathetique) — Ludwig van Beethoven

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