i–♭VII–♭VI in E Minor

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

The i–♭VII–♭VI is the upper portion of the Andalusian cadence, stopping before the dominant resolution. This three-chord descent through the natural minor scale creates a moody, unresolved atmosphere. It is widely used in rock, goth, and cinematic music for its dark, suspenseful quality.

Song Examples

Babe I'm Gonna Leave You, Led Zeppelin
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life), Green Day

Chord Details

Em D C

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–♭III–♭VII–IV