i–♭VI–♭VII–♭III in E♭ Minor

Pattern: i – ♭VI – ♭VII – ♭III   Chords: Ebm – B – D♭ – G♭

Chord Breakdown

NumeralChordTypeFunction
i Ebm (details) minor Tonic
♭VI B (details) major Submediant
♭VII D♭ (details) major Subtonic
♭III G♭ (details) major Mediant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Ebm (Tonic) → B (Submediant) → D♭ (Subtonic) → G♭ (Mediant).

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.

Song Examples

Chord Details

Ebm B D♭ G♭

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