i–♭VI–♭III–♭VII in E♭ Minor
Pattern: i – ♭VI – ♭III – ♭VII
Chords: Ebm – B – G♭ – D♭
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| i | Ebm (details) | minor | Tonic |
| ♭VI | B (details) | major | Submediant |
| ♭III | G♭ (details) | major | Mediant |
| ♭VII | D♭ (details) | major | Subtonic |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through Ebm (Tonic) → B (Submediant) → G♭ (Mediant) → D♭ (Subtonic).
The i–♭VI–♭III–♭VII progression cascades through the natural minor scale using only major chords. Each chord root drops by a third, creating a smooth, flowing motion. This all-major-chord cycle in a minor key gives the progression an epic, anthemic quality.
Song Examples
- Save Tonight — Eagle-Eye Cherry
- What I've Done — Linkin Park