IV–I–V–vi in E Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

A rotation of the famous I–V–vi–IV, starting on the subdominant for an immediate sense of motion. Beginning on IV gives it a floating, uplifting quality that resolves beautifully through V to vi.

Song Examples

Firework — Katy Perry
Demons — Imagine Dragons

Chord Details

A E B C♯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