I–V–vi–IV (the “four chords”) · E major

E – B – C♯m – A

IE · E G♯ B

VB · B D♯ F♯

viC♯m · C♯ E G♯

IVA · A C♯ E

E – B – C♯m – A: the four chords under a great many pop songs — the verse of “Let It Be” is this progression in C. In E major they are I, V, vi and IV.

Smooth voicings — root in the left hand

The right hand takes whichever inversion is nearest, so it moves by a step or two instead of jumping.

E I · root position

1 · 3 · 5 over E in the bass

B V · first inversion

3 · 5 · 1 over B in the bass

C♯m vi · first inversion

♭3 · 5 · 1 over C♯ in the bass

A IV · second inversion

5 · 1 · 3 over A in the bass

Why it works

Two major chords, a minor, a major: the minor chord in third place is the shadow that makes the return to IV and I feel bright. Played with the smooth voicings above, the right hand moves by a step or two between every chord.

I–V–vi–IV in every key

C major D♭ major D major E♭ major E major F major F♯ major G major A♭ major A major B♭ major B major

More progressions in E

ii–V–I in E major ii–V–i in E minor vi–IV–I–V in E major I–vi–IV–V in E major I–IV–V in E major

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