i–♭III–♭VII in C Minor

Pattern: i – ♭III – ♭VII Chords: Cm – E♭ – B♭

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
i	Cm (details)	minor	Tonic
♭III	E♭ (details)	major	Mediant
♭VII	B♭ (details)	major	Subtonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Cm (Tonic) → E♭ (Mediant) → B♭ (Subtonic).

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.

Song Examples

Losing My Religion — R.E.M.
Mad World — Tears for Fears

Chord Details

Cm E♭ B♭

More Progressions in C 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–♭VII–IV i–♭VII–♭VI i–♭III–♭VII–IV