I–ii–iii–IV–V–I in B Major

Pattern: I – ii – iii – IV – V – I Chords: B – C♯m – D♯m – E – F♯ – B

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	B (details)	major	Tonic
ii	C♯m (details)	minor	Supertonic
iii	D♯m (details)	minor	Mediant
IV	E (details)	major	Subdominant
V	F♯ (details)	major	Dominant
I	B (details)	major	Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

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

The I–ii–iii–IV–V–I progression ascends stepwise through the major scale's diatonic chords before cadencing home. This scalewise motion creates a sense of inevitable, building momentum toward the dominant resolution. It appears in classical themes and sophisticated pop arrangements.

Song Examples

Pachelbel's Canon (adapted) — Johann Pachelbel
Mr. Brightside (bridge) — The Killers

Chord Details

B C♯m D♯m E F♯

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–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V I–IV I–V IV–V IV–I