i–♭VI–♭VII–V in F♯ Minor
Pattern: i – ♭VI – ♭VII – V
Chords: F♯m – D – E – C♯
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| i | F♯m (details) | minor | Tonic |
| ♭VI | D (details) | major | Submediant |
| ♭VII | E (details) | major | Subtonic |
| V | C♯ (details) | major | Dominant |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through F♯m (Tonic) → D (Submediant) → E (Subtonic) → C♯ (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