i–♭VII–♭VI

The i–♭VII–♭VI is the upper portion of the Andalusian cadence, stopping before the dominant resolution. This three-chord descent through the natural minor scale creates a moody, unresolved atmosphere. It is widely used in rock, goth, and cinematic music for its dark, suspenseful quality.

Pattern: i – ♭VII – ♭VI   Example in A Minor: Am – G – F

Genre: modal, rock   Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

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

Song Examples