I–V–vi–V in E Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

This progression dips into the relative minor before returning to the dominant, creating a wistful, storytelling quality. The repeated V chord frames the vi, making it a poignant focal point for ballads.

Song Examples

Scarborough Fair — Simon & Garfunkel
If I Die Young — The Band Perry

Chord Details

E B C♯m

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