i–♭VII–♭VI–V in E Minor

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

The Andalusian cadence is a descending minor progression rooted in flamenco and Spanish classical music. Its stepwise bass line from the tonic down to the dominant creates a dramatic, passionate sound. Rock and metal artists frequently borrow this pattern for its dark intensity.

Song Examples

Hit the Road Jack — Ray Charles
Stairway to Heaven (intro) — Led Zeppelin
Smooth — Santana

Chord Details

Em D C B

More Progressions in E Minor

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 i–♭III–♭VII–IV

Related Progressions

i–iv–v I–♭VII–IV