ScaleRoot

E Major

The major scale (Ionian mode): seven notes following whole–whole–half–whole–whole–whole–half. The foundational scale of Western tonal music, with a bright, resolved character.

Notes

2F♯

3G♯

6C♯

7D♯

Diatonic chords

Triads

7th chords

Common progressions

I–IV–V

E–A–B

The classic three-chord progression of rock, blues, and country.

I–V–vi–IV

E–B–C♯m–A

The pop progression — heard in everything from "Don't Stop Believin'" to "Let It Be".

I–vi–IV–V

E–C♯m–A–B

The 50s doo-wop progression ("Earth Angel", "Stand By Me").

vi–IV–I–V

C♯m–A–E–B

The same chords as I–V–vi–IV, starting on the relative minor. Sounds wistful where I–V–vi–IV sounds uplifting.

ii7–V7–Imaj7

F♯m7–B7–Emaj7

The fundamental cadence of jazz harmony — m7 to dominant 7 to major 7.