i–♭III–♭VII

The i–♭III–♭VII progression moves through the natural minor scale using only major chords built on minor-key degrees. This creates an uplifting, anthemic quality despite the minor tonality. It is widely used in alternative and indie rock for its open, expansive sound.

Pattern: i – ♭III – ♭VII   Example in A Minor: Am – C – G

Genre: modal, rock   Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

A Minor Am – C – G E Minor Em – G – D B Minor Bm – D – A F♯ Minor F♯m – A – E C♯ Minor C♯m – E – B G♯ Minor G♯m – B – G♭ D Minor Dm – F – C G Minor Gm – B♭ – F C Minor Cm – E♭ – B♭ F Minor Fm – A♭ – E♭ B♭ Minor Bbm – D♭ – A♭ E♭ Minor Ebm – G♭ – D♭

Song Examples