I–♭II–I in A♭ Major
Pattern: I – ♭II – I
Chords: A♭ – A – A♭
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | A♭ (details) | major | Tonic |
| ♭II | A (details) | major | Supertonic |
| I | A♭ (details) | major | Tonic |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through A♭ (Tonic) → A (Supertonic) → A♭ (Tonic).
A striking chromatic movement that lifts the harmony a half step to the Neapolitan chord before returning to the tonic. This creates a momentary sense of displacement and tension that resolves immediately.
Song Examples
- Lady Bird — Tadd Dameron
- Moment's Notice — John Coltrane