The i–VII–VI–V chord progression

Andalusian cadence. Spanish-flavored descent; dramatic in any genre.

Quick answer

i–VII–VI–V in E minor is Em D C B.

Key

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

Spanish-flavored descent; dramatic in any genre. In E minor it's Em D C B.

Heard in: Hit the Road Jack (Ray Charles).

You'll find it in Metal songwriting.

Scales that fit i–VII–VI–V

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

i–VII–VI–V in every key

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

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Common questions

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

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

What scale goes with i–VII–VI–V?

In E, the E Harmonic minor fits best. E Natural minor (Aeolian) and E Melodic minor (jazz) add different colors.

Last updated November 14, 2026.