I–vi–ii–V–iii–vi in E Major

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

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	E (details)	major	Tonic
vi	C♯m (details)	minor	Submediant
ii	F♯m (details)	minor	Supertonic
V	B (details)	major	Dominant
iii	G♯m (details)	minor	Mediant
vi	C♯m (details)	minor	Submediant

Harmonic Analysis

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

The Way You Look Tonight — Jerome Kern
Just the Way You Are — Billy Joel

Chord Details

E C♯m F♯m B G♯m

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