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Island

Island Breeze

E · C#m · A · B

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E
I
C#m
vi
A
IV
B
V
Key
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Island Breeze in E major

Island Breeze is I · vi · IV · V. In E major that is E, C#m, A, B. A breezy island progression with a touch of longing. Loop those chords in order. The same pattern works in any major key.

Songs that use this

  • Kingston Town · UB40
  • Beautiful Girls · Sean Kingston

Why it works

In E major this loop is E, C#m, A, B (I · vi · IV · V). I is the home chord. V pulls away from home and wants to resolve. vi adds a minor color. IV moves the song forward without leaving the key. Play the chords in order and the pattern is easy to hear on ukulele.

Chords in E major

Jump to each shape used in this loop.

EC#mAB

Try in other keys

Same Roman numerals; chords transpose with the key.

C major → C · Am · F · GD major → D · Bm · G · AE major → E · C#m · A · BF major → F · Dm · Bb · CG major → G · Em · C · DA major → A · F#m · D · EB major → B · G#m · E · F#

Related progressions

Hawaiian VampSlack KeyHulaIsland StrumIsland Lullaby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Island Breeze ukulele chord progression?

Island Breeze is the I–vi–IV–V chord loop. In E major that is E, C#m, A, and B. A breezy island progression with a touch of longing.

What do the roman numerals mean in Island Breeze?

Roman numerals mark each chord's role in the key, not fixed chord names. Uppercase is major, lowercase is minor. Island Breeze uses I–vi–IV–V. Change the key and the roles stay; the chord names move with it. In E major you play E, C#m, A, B.

How do you practice Island Breeze on ukulele?

Loop E, C#m, A, and B. Change on the first beat of each bar and keep the strum steady. If one change is hard, practice that pair slowly, then play the full loop again.

What songs use the Island Breeze progression?

Songs built on Island Breeze include Kingston Town, and Beautiful Girls.

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