I–iii–vi–IV in A♭ Major

Pattern: I – iii – vi – IV Chords: A♭ – Cm – Fm – D♭

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	A♭ (details)	major	Tonic
iii	Cm (details)	minor	Mediant
vi	Fm (details)	minor	Submediant
IV	D♭ (details)	major	Subdominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through A♭ (Tonic) → Cm (Mediant) → Fm (Submediant) → D♭ (Subdominant).

This progression moves by descending thirds from I to iii to vi, then resolves to IV. The smooth voice leading between chords that share common tones creates a lush, flowing harmonic texture.

Song Examples

Creep — Radiohead
Stay with Me — Sam Smith

Chord Details

A♭ Cm Fm D♭

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