i–♭VI–V in E Minor

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

The i–♭VI–V progression uses the dramatic half-step motion between ♭VI and V to create a powerful cadential gesture. The chromatic shift from the warm ♭VI to the bright V generates intense tension before resolving to the tonic. This pattern has been used from Baroque music to modern rock.

Song Examples

Hit Me with Your Best Shot — Pat Benatar
Fur Elise — Ludwig van Beethoven

Chord Details

Em C B

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