I–V–vi–IV in E♭ Major
Pattern: I – V – vi – IV
Chords: E♭ – B♭ – Cm – A♭
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | E♭ (details) | major | Tonic |
| V | B♭ (details) | major | Dominant |
| vi | Cm (details) | minor | Submediant |
| IV | A♭ (details) | major | Subdominant |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through E♭ (Tonic) → B♭ (Dominant) → Cm (Submediant) → A♭ (Subdominant).
The I–V–vi–IV progression is arguably the most widely used chord pattern in modern pop music. Its blend of major brightness and minor tension creates an emotionally compelling loop that feels uplifting yet ♭ittersweet. Hundreds of hit songs across decades rely on this four-chord cycle.
Song Examples
- Someone Like You — Adele
- Let It Be — The Beatles
- No Woman, No Cry — Bob Marley