i–♭VI–iv–V in E Minor

Pattern: i – ♭VI – iv – V Chords: Em – C – Am – B

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
i	Em (details)	minor	Tonic
♭VI	C (details)	major	Submediant
iv	Am (details)	minor	Subdominant
V	B (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Em (Tonic) → C (Submediant) → Am (Subdominant) → B (Dominant).

The i–♭VI–iv–V progression descends from the tonic minor through the dark ♭VI and subdominant before resolving via the dominant. The ♭VI-to-iv motion creates a heavy, gothic atmosphere that builds toward the V's bright resolution. This pattern is prevalent in symphonic metal and dark rock.

Song Examples

Nemo, Nightwish
Enjoy the Silence, Depeche Mode

Chord Details

Em C Am B

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