Question 1

Why is this chord progression called the Mario Cadence?

Accepted Answer

Named after its iconic use in the Super Mario Bros. video game series by composer Koji Kondo. The bVI–bVII–I progression plays when Mario completes a level, creating an unmistakable sense of victory and triumph that has become one of the most recognizable musical moments in gaming.

Question 2

What are the Mario Cadence chords in E?

Accepted Answer

In the key of E, the Mario Cadence (bVI – bVII – I) uses the chords: C, D, E. The bVI and bVII are borrowed from the parallel minor key.

Question 3

What is the bVI bVII I chord progression?

Accepted Answer

The bVI – bVII – I progression moves through two chords borrowed from the parallel minor scale (the flat-six and flat-seven major chords) before resolving to the tonic. It creates a powerful sense of arrival and triumph. It is most commonly known as the Mario Cadence or the level complete cadence.

Question 4

Where is the Mario level complete cadence used?

Accepted Answer

The most famous use is the stage clear fanfare in Super Mario Bros. by Koji Kondo. It also appears in Final Fantasy (Victory Fanfare by Nobuo Uematsu), The Legend of Zelda, Rocky IV, and many other video game and film scores. Any time you hear a triumphant three-chord rising resolution, it is likely this cadence.

Question 5

How do you play the Mario Cadence on guitar?

Accepted Answer

Play the bVI, bVII, and I major chords in sequence. In the key of E, that means playing C, D, E. Use open or barre chord voicings. The progression works well with a triumphant strumming pattern or arpeggiated picking.

Question 6

What famous songs use the Mario Cadence progression?

Accepted Answer

Famous songs using bVI – bVII – I: Super Mario Bros. Level Complete Fanfare – Koji Kondo, Final Fantasy Victory Fanfare – Nobuo Uematsu, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past – Koji Kondo, Rocky IV (Training Montage) – Vince DiCola.

Question 7

What chords are in the Mario Cadence progression in E?

Accepted Answer

The Mario Cadence (bVI – bVII – I) in E uses: C, D, E.

Question 8

What emotion does the Mario Cadence progression convey?

Accepted Answer

The Mario Cadence progression (World / Game Music) conveys a feeling of triumph & victory. Borrowed from the parallel minor key, this ascending three-chord cadence creates an unmistakable feeling of heroism and triumph. Also known as the Super Mario Bros level complete cadence, it is iconic in video game music and film scores. Composer Koji Kondo used it for the stage clear fanfare in Sup

Mi Mario Cadence

Triad Diagrams — Mi Mario Cadence (Guitar)

Mi Mario Cadence — bVI – bVII – I

Famous songs using this progression

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