I–II–IV–iii in A♭ Major

Pattern: I – II – IV – iii Chords: A♭ – B♭ – D♭ – Cm

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	A♭ (details)	major	Tonic
II	B♭ (details)	major	Supertonic
IV	D♭ (details)	major	Subdominant
iii	Cm (details)	minor	Mediant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through A♭ (Tonic) → B♭ (Supertonic) → D♭ (Subdominant) → Cm (Mediant).

A progression that introduces a major II chord borrowed from the Lydian mode, giving the harmony a bright, lifted quality. The resolution to IV and then iii provides an unexpected but satisfying melodic path.

Song Examples

Inner Urge — Joe Henderson
Maiden Voyage — Herbie Hancock

Chord Details

A♭ B♭ D♭ Cm

More Progressions in A♭ Major

I–IV–V–I I–V–vi–IV I–vi–IV–V ii–V–I I–IV–V I–♭VII–IV vi–IV–I–V I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V I–IV I–V IV–V IV–I