I–♭VI–♭VII–I in E Major

Pattern: I – ♭VI – ♭VII – I Chords: E – C – D – E

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	E (details)	major	Tonic
♭VI	C (details)	major	Submediant
♭VII	D (details)	major	Subtonic
I	E (details)	major	Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

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

The I–♭VI–♭VII–I progression borrows two chords from the parallel minor to create a heavy, powerful major-key riff. The ♭VI and ♭VII provide dark, chromatic contrast before the triumphant return to the major tonic. This pattern is a staple of power metal and hard rock anthems.

Song Examples

Enter Sandman, Metallica
Thunderstruck, AC/DC

Chord Details

E C D

More Progressions in E Major

I–IV–V–I I–V–vi–IV I–vi–IV–V ii–V–I I–IV–V I–♭VII–IV vi–IV–I–V I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V I–IV I–V IV–V IV–I