i–♭III–♭VI–♭VII in E Minor

Pattern: i – ♭III – ♭VI – ♭VII Chords: Em – G – C – D

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
i	Em (details)	minor	Tonic
♭III	G (details)	major	Mediant
♭VI	C (details)	major	Submediant
♭VII	D (details)	major	Subtonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Em (Tonic) → G (Mediant) → C (Submediant) → D (Subtonic).

The i–♭III–♭VI–♭VII progression cycles through the natural minor scale's major chords, creating a wheel-like harmonic motion. Each chord provides a bright contrast to the minor tonic, giving the progression an anthemic, soaring quality. It is common in alternative rock and post-punk.

Song Examples

Wake Me Up When September Ends — Green Day
Numb — Linkin Park

Chord Details

Em G C D

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