I–vi–ii–V–iii–vi in B Major

Pattern: I – vi – ii – V – iii – vi   Chords: B – G♯m – C♯m – F♯ – D♯m – G♯m

Chord Breakdown

NumeralChordTypeFunction
I B (details) major Tonic
vi G♯m (details) minor Submediant
ii C♯m (details) minor Supertonic
V F♯ (details) major Dominant
iii D♯m (details) minor Mediant
vi G♯m (details) minor Submediant

Harmonic Analysis

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

The I–vi–ii–V–iii–vi progression extends the standard turnaround with an additional iii–vi tail, creating a longer harmonic cycle that delays resolution. The circle-of-fifths motion continues past the expected cadence point, keeping the harmony in perpetual motion. This pattern appears in jazz ballads and sophisticated pop.

Song Examples

Chord Details

More Progressions in B Major