i–iv–v–i

The i–iv–v–i progression is the natural minor counterpart to the major I–IV–V–I. Using the minor v chord (instead of the borrowed major V) gives it a darker, more modal quality. It avoids the leading-tone pull of the harmonic minor, creating a gentler, less urgent resolution that is common in rock, metal, and folk music.

Pattern: i – iv – v – i Example in A Minor: Am – Dm – Em – Am

Genre: classical, rock, metal, folk Difficulty: beginner

Choose a Key

A Minor Am – Dm – Em – Am E Minor Em – Am – Bm – Em B Minor Bm – Em – F♯m – Bm F♯ Minor F♯m – Bm – C♯m – F♯m C♯ Minor C♯m – F♯m – G♯m – C♯m G♯ Minor G♯m – C♯m – D♯m – G♯m D Minor Dm – Gm – Am – Dm G Minor Gm – Cm – Dm – Gm C Minor Cm – Fm – Gm – Cm F Minor Fm – Bbm – Cm – Fm B♭ Minor Bbm – Ebm – Fm – Bbm E♭ Minor Ebm – Abm – Bbm – Ebm

Song Examples

All Along the Watchtower — Bob Dylan
Dazed and Confused — Led Zeppelin
Hit the Road Jack — Ray Charles

Related Progressions

i–iv–V i–♭VI–♭VII i–iv–v