i–♭VI–IV–V in E Minor

Pattern: i – ♭VI – IV – V Chords: Em – C – A – B

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

The i–♭VI–IV–V progression mixes natural minor's ♭VI with a Dorian major IV before resolving through the harmonic minor's dominant V. This blend of modal sources creates a rich, powerful sound. The pattern is common in progressive metal and power ballads where darkness meets resolution.

Song Examples

Fear of the Dark — Iron Maiden
Tears Don't Fall — Bullet for My Valentine

Chord Details

Em C A 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