The i–VI–VII–i chord progression

Aeolian march. Epic and dark; a metal staple.

Quick answer

i–VI–VII–i in E minor is Em C D Em.

Key

What the i–VI–VII–i progression sounds like

Epic and dark; a metal staple. In E minor it's Em C D Em.

You'll find it in Metal songwriting.

Scales that fit i–VI–VII–i

Over this progression in E, the best-fitting scales are E Natural minor (Aeolian), E Phrygian, E Dorian. Put your own chords into the scale finder to see more.

i–VI–VII–i in every key

The i–VI–VII–i progression in all 12 minor keys
Key	Chords
A minor	Am F G Am
E minor	Em C D Em
B minor	Bm G A Bm
F# minor	F#m D E F#m
C# minor	C#m A B C#m
G# minor	G#m E F# G#m
D# minor	D#m B C# D#m
Bb minor	Bbm Gb Ab Bbm
F minor	Fm Db Eb Fm
C minor	Cm Ab Bb Cm
G minor	Gm Eb F Gm
D minor	Dm Bb C Dm

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Common questions

What are the chords in the i–VI–VII–i progression?

In E minor the i–VI–VII–i progression is Em C D Em. The pattern is the same in every key; the table above lists all 12.

What scale goes with i–VI–VII–i?

In E, the E Natural minor (Aeolian) fits best. E Phrygian and E Dorian add different colors.

Last updated November 14, 2026.