Epic Chord Progressions

vi → IV → I → V

The dramatic, building progression used in movie trailers and epic moments. Starts minor, resolves to triumphant major.

I → bVI → bVII → I

The iconic Final Fantasy victory fanfare by Nobuo Uematsu. The I-bVI-bVII-I uses Mixolydian interchange to create that euphoric, triumphant feeling. Those borrowed chords are what make it sound so celebratory.

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.

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.