I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V in B Major

Pattern: I – V – vi – iii – IV – I – IV – V Chords: B – F♯ – G♯m – D♯m – E – B – E – F♯

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	B (details)	major	Tonic
V	F♯ (details)	major	Dominant
vi	G♯m (details)	minor	Submediant
iii	D♯m (details)	minor	Mediant
IV	E (details)	major	Subdominant
I	B (details)	major	Tonic
IV	E (details)	major	Subdominant
V	F♯ (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through B (Tonic) → F♯ (Dominant) → G♯m (Submediant) → D♯m (Mediant) → E (Subdominant) → B (Tonic) → E (Subdominant) → F♯ (Dominant).

Pachelbel's Canon progression is an eight-chord descending pattern originally composed around 1680. Its elegant stepwise bass line creates a sense of inevitability and grace that has made it one of the most borrowed progressions in pop music. From wedding ceremonies to chart-topping hits, this extended cycle continues to captivate listeners.

Song Examples

Canon in D — Johann Pachelbel
Basket Case — Green Day
Memories — Maroon 5

Chord Details

B F♯ G♯m D♯m E

More Progressions in B 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–IV I–V IV–V IV–I V–I

Related Progressions

I–V–vi–IV I–vi–IV–V