E Epic Borrowed Chords

I – bVI – bIII – bVII progression in E major

E major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
IE
bVIC
bIIIG
bVIID

Triad Diagrams — E Epic Borrowed Chords (Guitar)

E Epic Borrowed ChordsI – bVI – bIII – bVII

The E I–bVI–bIII–bVII progression (E – C – G – D) borrows chords from the parallel minor to create an instantly cinematic, heroic atmosphere. The contrast between bright and dark chords is powerful. With sevenths (EMaj7 – CMaj7 – GMaj7 – D7), it becomes even more grandiose.

Contemporary / FilmEpic & Heroic4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): E, C, G, D.

Chords (7th): EMaj7, CMaj7, GMaj7, D7.

Famous songs using this progression

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