Mi Super Mario Bros Cadence
bVI – bVII – I progression in Mi major
Mi 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 E, the progression is C – D – E. 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 (CMaj7 – D7 – EMaj7), the cinematic lift becomes weightier and more dramatic.
Playing in Mi major
E major is arguably guitar's most powerful key. The open low E and high E strings ring sympathetically as the root, while the open B provides the fifth. This triple reinforcement gives E-based riffs and chords unmatched depth and volume. E is a beginner-level key on guitar because both the low E and high E strings ring as the root, and the open B is the fifth — three open strings reinforce the tonic chord. Beginners will find this key approachable since most chords use open voicings with minimal stretching.
Voice Leading
The bass line moves through C to D (ascending whole step), D to E (ascending whole step). The predominantly stepwise bass motion creates smooth, connected voice leading. When the progression loops, the bass returns from E to C by major third.
Capo Transposition
To play in E using familiar open chords: capo 2 with open D shapes; capo 4 with open C shapes; capo 7 with open A 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
E 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, E 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.