The i–iv–v–i chord progression

Minor three-chord. Heavy, brooding and simple.

Quick answer

i–iv–v–i in E minor is Em Am Bm Em.

Key

What the i–iv–v–i progression sounds like

Heavy, brooding and simple. In E minor it's Em Am Bm Em.

You'll find it in Metal songwriting.

Scales that fit i–iv–v–i

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

i–iv–v–i in every key

The i–iv–v–i progression in all 12 minor keys
Key	Chords
A minor	Am Dm Em Am
E minor	Em Am Bm Em
B minor	Bm Em F#m Bm
F# minor	F#m Bm C#m F#m
C# minor	C#m F#m G#m C#m
G# minor	G#m C#m D#m G#m
D# minor	D#m G#m A#m D#m
Bb minor	Bbm Ebm Fm Bbm
F minor	Fm Bbm Cm Fm
C minor	Cm Fm Gm Cm
G minor	Gm Cm Dm Gm
D minor	Dm Gm Am Dm

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Common questions

What are the chords in the i–iv–v–i progression?

In E minor the i–iv–v–i progression is Em Am Bm Em. The pattern is the same in every key; the table above lists all 12.

What scale goes with i–iv–v–i?

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

Last updated November 14, 2026.