i–♭VI–♭III–♭VII in B♭ Minor

Pattern: i – ♭VI – ♭III – ♭VII Chords: Bbm – G♭ – D♭ – A♭

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Bbm (Tonic) → G♭ (Submediant) → D♭ (Mediant) → A♭ (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

Bbm G♭ D♭ A♭

More Progressions in B♭ 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