i–♭VI–♭III–♭VII in C Minor

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Cm (Tonic) → A♭ (Submediant) → E♭ (Mediant) → B♭ (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

Cm A♭ 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–♭III–♭VII i–♭VII–IV i–♭VII–♭VI