C Epic Borrowed Chords

I – bVI – bIII – bVII progression in C major

C major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkulele
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
IC
bVIAb
bIIIEb
bVIIBb

Triad Diagrams — C Epic Borrowed Chords (Guitar)

C Epic Borrowed ChordsI – bVI – bIII – bVII

The C I–bVI–bIII–bVII progression (C – Ab – Eb – Bb) borrows chords from the parallel minor to create an instantly cinematic, heroic atmosphere. The contrast between bright and dark chords is powerful. With sevenths (CMaj7 – AbMaj7 – EbMaj7 – Bb7), it becomes even more grandiose.

Contemporary / FilmEpic & Heroic4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): C, Ab, Eb, Bb.

Chords (7th): CMaj7, AbMaj7, EbMaj7, Bb7.

Famous songs using this progression

  • Rolling in the Deep – Adele
  • Viva la Vida – Coldplay