I–iii–vi–IV in E Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

This progression moves by descending thirds from I to iii to vi, then resolves to IV. The smooth voice leading between chords that share common tones creates a lush, flowing harmonic texture.

Song Examples

Creep — Radiohead
Stay with Me — Sam Smith

Chord Details

E G♯m C♯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