I-IV-vi-V (J-Pop / Royal Road)
Why do anime openings sound so epic?
I-IV-vi-V is the 'Royal Road Progression' — the favorite of J-Pop and anime soundtracks. A variation of the 4 magic chords with IV first, giving more energy from the start.
IIVviV
Famous songs
Anime openings · My Chemical Romance · Kelly Clarkson · Katy Perry
Did you know?
Starting with I-IV (instead of I-V) gives more immediate warmth. J-Pop discovered this before anyone — that's why their choruses have so much energy.