i–♭VI–♭VII–i in E♭ Minor

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

Chord Details

More Progressions in E♭ Minor