I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V in E Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

E B C♯m G♯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–IV I–V IV–V IV–I V–I

Related Progressions

I–V–vi–IV I–vi–IV–V