i–iv–♭VI–♭VII in E♭ Minor
Pattern: i – iv – ♭VI – ♭VII
Chords: Ebm – Abm – B – D♭
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| i | Ebm (details) | minor | Tonic |
| iv | Abm (details) | minor | Subdominant |
| ♭VI | B (details) | major | Submediant |
| ♭VII | D♭ (details) | major | Subtonic |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through Ebm (Tonic) → Abm (Subdominant) → B (Submediant) → D♭ (Subtonic).
The i–iv–♭VI–♭VII progression steadily ascends through the natural minor scale, building energy with each chord change. The stepwise climb from iv through ♭VI to ♭VII creates an unstoppable upward momentum. This pattern is common in alternative rock buildups and anthem choruses.
Song Examples
- Boulevard of Broken Dreams — Green Day
- In the End — Linkin Park