i–V–♭VI–IV in E Minor

Pattern: i – V – ♭VI – IV Chords: Em – B – C – A

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
i	Em (details)	minor	Tonic
V	B (details)	major	Dominant
♭VI	C (details)	major	Submediant
IV	A (details)	major	Subdominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Em (Tonic) → B (Dominant) → C (Submediant) → A (Subdominant).

The i–V–♭VI–IV progression mixes harmonic minor's dominant V with natural minor's ♭VI and a borrowed major IV. This chromatic blend creates a sophisticated, emotionally complex cycle. It appears in modern pop and rock where songwriters seek a darker twist on familiar progressions.

Song Examples

If I Lose Myself — OneRepublic
Uprising — Muse

Chord Details

Em B C A

More Progressions in E Minor

i–♭VII–♭VI–V i–iv–v vi–IV–I–V i–iv–i–V iv–iv–i–V i–iv–i i–iv–V vi–V–IV–III i–♭VII i–♭III–♭VII i–♭VII–IV i–♭VII–♭VI