i–VI–III–VII: the epic minor chord progression
i–VI–III–VII (Am F C G in A minor) is the epic minor loop of rock and film music. Hear it, get it in all 12 minor keys and compare it with vi–IV–I–V.
i–VI–III–VII is a minor-key loop on the 1st, 6th, 3rd and 7th chords of the natural minor scale: in A minor, Am – F – C – G. It uses the same chords as the pop loop vi–IV–I–V in C major, but treats the minor chord as home, which gives it an epic, driving feel.
Listen in A minor
Or one chord at a time:
What does i–VI–III–VII sound like?
Heroic and dark at once: common in rock anthems, video game and film soundtracks.
Songs that use i–VI–III–VII
This loop is everywhere, but whether a given song is heard "in A minor" or "in C major" is a matter of analysis, so we list no titles. If a song with these chords feels at rest on the minor chord, it is i–VI–III–VII.
How to recognise it by ear
- Same chords as vi–IV–I–V: what changes is where the music feels at rest.
- All four chords come from the natural minor scale; there is no raised 7th, so no strong V–i pull.
- The bass moves A → F → C → G: down a third, down a fourth, down a fourth.
Quick test: which progression?
Each sound plays the chords one after another. Pick the progression.
Score: / 3 (your score updates as you answer)
i–VI–III–VII in all 12 minor keys
Chords built from the Roman numerals i VI III VII on each key's own scale.
| Key | Chords | Hear it |
|---|---|---|
| A minor | Am – F – C – G | |
| E minor | Em – C – G – D | |
| B minor | Bm – G – D – A | |
| F♯ minor | F♯m – D – A – E | |
| C♯ minor | C♯m – A – E – B | |
| G♯ minor | G♯m – E – B – F♯ | |
| D minor | Dm – B♭ – F – C | |
| G minor | Gm – E♭ – B♭ – F | |
| C minor | Cm – A♭ – E♭ – B♭ | |
| F minor | Fm – D♭ – A♭ – E♭ | |
| B♭ minor | B♭m – G♭ – D♭ – A♭ | |
| E♭ minor | E♭m – C♭ – G♭ – D♭ |
Frequently asked questions
What are the chords of i–VI–III–VII in A minor?
A minor, F, C, G. In E minor: Em C G D. In D minor: Dm B flat F C.
Is i–VI–III–VII the same as vi–IV–I–V?
Same chords, different home. If the music rests on the minor chord it is i–VI–III–VII in the minor key; if it rests on the major I it is vi–IV–I–V in the relative major.
Why does this progression sound epic?
It avoids the raised leading note, so it loops without a strong cadence, and its root motion by thirds and fourths has a broad, modal feel.
Which scale fits i–VI–III–VII?
The natural minor scale (Aeolian mode) of the key: A B C D E F G for A minor.