I–iii–vi–ii–V–I in B Major
Pattern: I – iii – vi – ii – V – I
Chords: B – D♯m – G♯m – C♯m – F♯ – B
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | B (details) | major | Tonic |
| iii | D♯m (details) | minor | Mediant |
| vi | G♯m (details) | minor | Submediant |
| ii | C♯m (details) | minor | Supertonic |
| V | F♯ (details) | major | Dominant |
| I | B (details) | major | Tonic |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through B (Tonic) → D♯m (Mediant) → G♯m (Submediant) → C♯m (Supertonic) → F♯ (Dominant) → B (Tonic).
A progression combining descending-third motion (I–iii–vi) with circle-of-fifths movement (vi–ii–V–I), creating an elegant and inevitable path back to the tonic. This hybrid sequence appears in Baroque ground bass patterns and Classical development sections.
Song Examples
- Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 — J.S. Bach
- Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major — J.S. Bach