♭VI–♭VII–I

The ♭VI–♭VII–I progression is a dramatic approach to the tonic from below using two borrowed chords. Often called the Mario cadence for its video game associations, it creates a triumphant, heroic resolution. This pattern is a staple in film scores and arena rock anthems.

Pattern: ♭VI – ♭VII – I   Example in C Major: A♭ – B♭ – C

Genre: modal, rock   Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

C Major A♭ – B♭ – C G Major E♭ – F – G D Major B♭ – C – D A Major F – G – A E Major C – D – E B Major G – A – B F♯ Major D – E – F♯ F Major D♭ – E♭ – F B♭ Major G♭ – A♭ – B♭ E♭ Major B – D♭ – E♭ A♭ Major E – G♭ – A♭ D♭ Major A – B – D♭

Song Examples