Anime Opening (Royal Road)

IV → V → iii → vi

Position
F chord diagramGuitar chord fingering for F: string 6: fret 1, string 5: fret 3, string 4: fret 3, string 3: fret 2, string 2: fret 1, string 1: fret 1F
G chord diagramGuitar chord fingering for G: string 6: fret 3, string 5: fret 2, string 4: open, string 3: open, string 2: open, string 1: fret 3G
Em chord diagramGuitar chord fingering for Em: string 6: open, string 5: fret 2, string 4: fret 2, string 3: open, string 2: open, string 1: openEm
Am chord diagramGuitar chord fingering for Am: string 6: muted, string 5: open, string 4: fret 2, string 3: fret 2, string 2: fret 1, string 1: open×Am
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About

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'.

Songs using this progression

  • Yasashisa ni Tsutsumareta Nara — Yumi Arai (Kiki's Delivery Service)
  • Again — YUI (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
  • Ignite — Eir Aoi (Sword Art Online II)
J-PopAnime OSTK-Popemotionalupliftingheroicnostalgic

Related progressions

Sad Ballad (Axis Progression)
I → V → vi → IV
PopRock
Anime Emotional (Royal Road 7ths)
IVmaj7 → V7 → iii7 → vi7
J-PopAnime OST