What chords are in the i – VI – III – VII progression in C?

The i – VI – III – VII progression in C uses these chords: Cm, Ab, Eb, Bb (degrees: i, VI, III, VII).

What emotion does the Cinematic Minor progression create?

The Cinematic Minor progression evokes dramatic & dark. It is a Contemporary / Film style progression.

What famous songs use the Cinematic Minor progression?

The Cinematic Minor (i – VI – III – VII) progression is used in songs such as: What I've Done – Linkin Park, Radioactive – Imagine Dragons.

What genre is the Cinematic Minor progression from?

The Cinematic Minor progression is characteristic of Contemporary / Film music. It evokes dramatic & dark and is widely used in composition and improvisation.

Do Cinematic Minor

i – VI – III – VII progression in Do minor

Chords

Triads7th Chords

Harmony

Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.

iDom

VILa♭

IIIMi♭

VIISi♭

BPM: 75

Triad Diagrams — Do Cinematic Minor (Guitar)

Chord Voicings Closest Voicing

Do Cinematic Minor — i – VI – III – VII

The C i–VI–III–VII (Cm – Ab – Eb – Bb) stays within the natural minor scale, alternating between minor darkness and relative major brightness. The Dorian mode adds a raised 6th for a slightly warmer color on the i chord; Harmonic Minor sharpens the VII resolution. Minor Pentatonic provides a universal soloing option across all four chords. With seventh voicings (Cm7 – AbMaj7 – EbMaj7 – Bb7), it reaches the atmospheric depth of film scores and orchestral pop.

Playing in Do minor

With no sharps or flats, C major is the theoretical home base on guitar. The open G, B, and high E strings all belong to the C major chord, creating natural sustain. C is a beginner-level key on guitar because the open B and high E strings ring within the scale, and every basic chord uses familiar open shapes. Beginners will find this key approachable since most chords use open voicings with minimal stretching.

Voice Leading

The bass line moves through C to Ab (descending major third), Ab to Eb (descending perfect fourth), Eb to Bb (descending perfect fourth). The root motion by larger intervals (fourths and fifths) gives each chord change a strong, decisive character. When the progression loops, the bass returns from Bb to C by whole step.

Capo Transposition

To play in C using familiar open chords: capo 3 with open A shapes; capo 5 with open G shapes. Choose the capo position that gives you the voicings you prefer — lower capo positions produce a fuller sound, while higher positions create a brighter, mandolin-like timbre.

Scales for Soloing

C minor pentatonic is your safest starting point because all five notes are chord tones or stable tensions within the natural minor harmony. When a dominant seventh chord appears, switch briefly to C Dorian or harmonic minor to capture the raised 6th or 7th that the chord implies.

Strumming Pattern

Use D-DU-UDU at 100-120 BPM for a standard pop strum. Accent beats 2 and 4 for a backbeat feel. Vary dynamics between verse (lighter) and chorus (stronger) to build energy.

Contemporary / FilmDramatic & Dark4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): Dom, La♭, Mi♭, Si♭.

Chords (7th): Dom7, La♭Maj7, Mi♭Maj7, Si♭7.

Famous songs using this progression

What I've Done – Linkin Park
Radioactive – Imagine Dragons