I–ii–iii–IV–V–I in E Major

Pattern: I – ii – iii – IV – V – I Chords: E – F♯m – G♯m – A – B – E

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

E F♯m G♯m A B

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