IV–I in E Major

Pattern: IV – I Chords: A – E

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
IV	A (details)	major	Subdominant
I	E (details)	major	Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through A (Subdominant) → E (Tonic).

The IV–I motion is known as the plagal cadence or "Amen cadence" due to its long history in hymns. It provides a gentle, satisfying resolution without the sharp pull of the dominant.

Song Examples

Let It Be — The Beatles
With or Without You — U2

Chord Details

A E

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 V–I