E Unresolved Cycle

IV – V – I – vi progression in E major

E major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
IVA
VB
IE
viC#m

Triad Diagrams — E Unresolved Cycle (Guitar)

E Unresolved CycleIV – V – I – vi

The E IV–V–I–vi progression (A – B – E – C#m) creates a hypnotic, cyclical feel by ending on the minor vi chord instead of resolving to the tonic. With extended voicings (AMaj7 – B7 – EMaj7 – C#m7), the unresolved quality becomes even more dreamy.

Pop / RockDreamy & Cyclical4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): A, B, E, C#m.

Chords (7th): AMaj7, B7, EMaj7, C#m7.

Famous songs using this progression

  • Good Luck, Babe! – Chappell Roan
  • Umbrella – Rihanna