i–♭III–♭VII–IV

The i–♭III–♭VII–IV progression combines natural minor chords with a Dorian major IV, creating a rich modal loop. The ♭III provides brightness while the major IV adds an unexpected lift. This pattern is common in progressive and alternative rock.

Pattern: i – ♭III – ♭VII – IV   Example in A Minor: Am – C – G – D

Genre: modal, rock   Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

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

Song Examples