I–vi–V in E Major

Pattern: I – vi – V Chords: E – C♯m – B

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	E (details)	major	Tonic
vi	C♯m (details)	minor	Submediant
V	B (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through E (Tonic) → C♯m (Submediant) → B (Dominant).

This three-chord progression captures the essence of the doo-wop era, dropping from tonic to relative minor before lifting to the dominant. It evokes nostalgia and has been used in pop music for decades.

Song Examples

Earth Angel — The Penguins
Unchained Melody — The Righteous Brothers

Chord Details

E C♯m 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