V7–I in A Major

Pattern: V7 – I Chords: E7 – A

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
V7	E7 (details)	dominant seventh	Dominant
I	A (details)	major	Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through E7 (Dominant) → A (Tonic).

The V7–I progression is the most fundamental harmonic resolution in Western music. The dominant seventh chord contains a tritone between its third and seventh degrees that resolves by contrary motion to the tonic triad, creating the strongest possible sense of arrival. Every style of Western music relies on this tension-resolution principle, making V7–I the defining sound of tonal harmony.

Song Examples

Happy Birthday — traditional
Fly Me to the Moon — Frank Sinatra
Johnny B. Goode — Chuck Berry

Chord Details

E7 A

More Progressions in A 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

Related Progressions

V–I ii–V7–I ii7–V7–Imaj7