i–♭VI–♭III–♭VII in E Minor

Pattern: i – ♭VI – ♭III – ♭VII Chords: Em – C – G – D

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Em (Tonic) → C (Submediant) → G (Mediant) → D (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

Em C G D

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