Re Super Mario Bros Cadence
bVI – bVII – I progression in Re major
Re Super Mario Bros Cadence — bVI – bVII – I
The Mario Cadence (bVI–bVII–I) is the iconic chord progression from the Super Mario Bros. video game's level-complete fanfare, composed by Koji Kondo. In D, the progression is Bb – C – D. It borrows two chords (bVI and bVII) from the parallel minor before resolving triumphantly to the major I chord. Minor Pentatonic suits the borrowed chords; Mixolydian bridges them toward the tonic. The Minor Blues scale adds grit if the context calls for it. With seventh voicings (BbMaj7 – C7 – DMaj7), the cinematic lift becomes weightier and more dramatic.
Playing in Re major
D major is one of guitar's most resonant keys. The open D string acts as a droning root, and the open A string provides the fifth. This gives D-based strumming a wide, ringing quality that flatpicks and fingerpicks love. D is a beginner-level key on guitar because the open D and A strings provide a powerful bass foundation, and the open high E is the 2nd scale degree adding brightness. Beginners will find this key approachable since most chords use open voicings with minimal stretching.
Voice Leading
The bass line moves through Bb to C (ascending whole step), C to D (ascending whole step). The predominantly stepwise bass motion creates smooth, connected voice leading. When the progression loops, the bass returns from D to Bb by major third.
Capo Transposition
To play in D using familiar open chords: capo 2 with open C shapes; capo 5 with open A shapes; capo 7 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
D major pentatonic works because every note is either a chord tone or a safe passing tone — there are no avoid notes. For soloing, this means you can play freely without clashing. Over dominant seventh chords, D Mixolydian adds the flat seventh for an authentic blues-rock edge.
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.