I–V–vi–ii in E Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

The I–V–vi–ii progression descends through the circle of fifths, creating smooth harmonic motion that naturally wants to continue to V and resolve. This falling-fifths pattern generates elegant forward momentum. It appears in pop ballads and jazz-influenced songwriting.

Song Examples

Can't Help Falling in Love — Elvis Presley
All of Me — John Legend

Chord Details

E B C♯m F♯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