i–♭VI–♭III–♭VII in A Minor

Pattern: i – ♭VI – ♭III – ♭VII Chords: Am – F – C – G

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Am (Tonic) → F (Submediant) → C (Mediant) → G (Subtonic).

The i–♭VI–♭III–♭VII progression cycles through the natural minor scale's major chords in a pattern that emphasizes power and drive. The falling-third motion from ♭VI to ♭III and rising fourth to ♭VII creates a headbanging rhythmic feel. This progression is ubiquitous in heavy metal and punk rock.

Song Examples

The Number of the Beast — Iron Maiden
Welcome Home (Sanitarium) — Metallica

Chord Details

Am F C G

More Progressions in A 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