i–♭VI–♭VII–♭III

The i–♭VI–♭VII–♭III progression loops through the natural minor scale's major chords, ending on the relative major instead of resolving to the dominant. This avoids traditional resolution, creating a perpetual, driving cycle. The pattern is a favorite in thrash metal and hardcore punk for its relentless energy.

Pattern: i – ♭VI – ♭VII – ♭III   Example in A Minor: Am – F – G – C

Genre: metal, rock   Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

A Minor Am – F – G – C E Minor Em – C – D – G B Minor Bm – G – A – D F♯ Minor F♯m – D – E – A C♯ Minor C♯m – A – B – E G♯ Minor G♯m – E – G♭ – B D Minor Dm – B♭ – C – F G Minor Gm – E♭ – F – B♭ C Minor Cm – A♭ – B♭ – E♭ F Minor Fm – D♭ – E♭ – A♭ B♭ Minor Bbm – G♭ – A♭ – D♭ E♭ Minor Ebm – B – D♭ – G♭

Song Examples