i–♭VI–♭VII in E Minor

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

The i–♭VI–♭VII progression leaps from the minor tonic to the flat sixth before stepping up to the flat seventh, creating a sense of escape and release. This three-chord pattern avoids the dominant entirely, keeping the harmony floating in natural minor. It is a cornerstone of hard rock and metal.

Song Examples

Iron Man — Black Sabbath
Paranoid — Black Sabbath

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