I–V–vi in E Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

Starting on the bright tonic and moving through the dominant, this progression lands on the relative minor for a ♭ittersweet emotional turn. It is a powerful three-chord tool for creating emotional contrast.

Song Examples

Love Story — Taylor Swift
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) — Green Day

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