i–♭VI–♭VII–i in E Minor

Pattern: i – ♭VI – ♭VII – i Chords: Em – C – D – Em

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
i	Em (details)	minor	Tonic
♭VI	C (details)	major	Submediant
♭VII	D (details)	major	Subtonic
i	Em (details)	minor	Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Em (Tonic) → C (Submediant) → D (Subtonic) → Em (Tonic).

The i–♭VI–♭VII–i progression creates a complete orbit from the minor tonic through two borrowed major chords and back. The stepwise ascent from ♭VI to ♭VII builds momentum before resolving home. This cyclical pattern is popular in new wave and alternative rock.

Song Examples

Running Up That Hill — Kate Bush
Zombie — The Cranberries

Chord Details

Em C D

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