i–♭VI–♭VII–V in E♭ Minor
Pattern: i – ♭VI – ♭VII – V
Chords: Ebm – B – D♭ – B♭
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| i | Ebm (details) | minor | Tonic |
| ♭VI | B (details) | major | Submediant |
| ♭VII | D♭ (details) | major | Subtonic |
| V | B♭ (details) | major | Dominant |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through Ebm (Tonic) → B (Submediant) → D♭ (Subtonic) → B♭ (Dominant).
The i–♭VI–♭VII–V progression builds from the dark ♭VI through the ♭VII to a dominant V, creating a dramatic climb toward resolution. The stepwise ascent from ♭VI to ♭VII generates momentum while the V provides strong pull back to the tonic. This pattern is powerful in metal and hard rock.
Song Examples
- Fade to Black (chorus) — Metallica
- Nothing Else Matters — Metallica