Heroic 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'.

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.