Anime OST Chord Progressions

IV → V → iii → vi

The iconic 'Royal Road' progression (王道進行) that defines J-Pop and anime openings. First documented in Yumi Arai's 1974 songs, it creates that bright, emotional feeling perfect for 'main character moments'.

IV → V → vi → I

A variation of the Royal Road that resolves to the I chord, creating a bittersweet but hopeful feeling. Common in emotional J-pop ballads.

i → VII → iv → III

The driving minor progression from one of the most iconic anime openings ever. Cm-Bb-Fm-Eb creates that sense of epic momentum and emotional intensity that defined Evangelion's legendary theme.

i → VI → VII → III

The haunting progression from Tokyo Ghoul's iconic opening. Gm-Eb-F-Bb creates that unsettling, emotional quality perfect for darker anime themes. The minor tonic with ascending movement captures TK's signature melancholy.

IVmaj7 → V7 → iii7 → vi7

The Royal Road progression with 7th chords - also known as the 'koakuma chord progression'. The added extensions create that lush, emotional anime soundtrack feeling. This is the actual form commonly used in J-pop production.

VI → VII → i

The ascending minor progression common in emotional J-pop and anime openings. The VI-VII-i creates a hopeful yet bittersweet feeling as it rises to resolve on the minor tonic.

VI → VII → i

The driving minor progression that powers intense anime openings. C-D-Em builds energy through the ascending VI-VII before landing on the minor tonic. This exact progression is used in Demon Slayer's iconic opening.

V → IV → I → vi

The warm, hopeful progression from Your Name. C#-B-F#-D#m creates that bittersweet yet uplifting feeling of connection and longing that defines Makoto Shinkai's film soundtracks.

i7 → IIImaj7 → iv7 → V7

The big band jazz sound of Cowboy Bebop. Tank! uses Cm7-Ebmaj7-Fm7-G7 with Latin-infused hard bop energy. The 7th chords give it that authentic big band jazz feel.

i7 → bVII7 → bVImaj7 → V7

The chromatic descent with 7th chords creates suspense and intrigue. Perfect for mystery anime, detective scenes, and moments of revelation.

IVmaj7 → iii7 → vi7 → Imaj7 → IVmaj7 → V7

The bittersweet sound of Japanese school graduation. Cherry blossoms, farewells, and new beginnings. Extended 7th chords capture that uniquely Japanese sense of 'mono no aware' (the pathos of things).

Imaj7 → vi7 → ii7 → V7

The warm, reflective progression that plays over anime ending credits. Usually softer and more introspective than opening themes, giving time to process the episode's events.