I–ii–IV in E Major

Pattern: I – ii – IV Chords: E – F♯m – A

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	E (details)	major	Tonic
ii	F♯m (details)	minor	Supertonic
IV	A (details)	major	Subdominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through E (Tonic) → F♯m (Supertonic) → A (Subdominant).

This ascending three-chord progression steps up from the tonic through the supertonic to the subdominant. The stepwise motion creates a gentle, climbing quality that pairs naturally with folk storytelling.

Song Examples

The Times They Are a-Changin' — Bob Dylan
Fast Car — Tracy Chapman

Chord Details

E F♯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–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V I–IV I–V IV–V IV–I