i–v–♭VI–♭VII in E Minor

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

The i–v–♭VI–♭VII progression steps upward through the natural minor scale, creating a steadily building momentum. The minor v (rather than a major V) keeps the sound firmly in Aeolian territory. This ascending pattern is common in epic rock and cinematic compositions.

Song Examples

Comfortably Numb (verse) — Pink Floyd
Space Oddity — David Bowie

Chord Details

Em Bm C D

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