I–vi–ii–V in B♭ Major

Pattern: I – vi – ii – V Chords: B♭ – Gm – Cm – F

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	B♭ (details)	major	Tonic
vi	Gm (details)	minor	Submediant
ii	Cm (details)	minor	Supertonic
V	F (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through B♭ (Tonic) → Gm (Submediant) → Cm (Supertonic) → F (Dominant).

Known as the '50s progression or ice cream changes, this turnaround was the harmonic engine of early rock and roll. It cycles smoothly through descending thirds and a ii–V resolution.

Song Examples

Stand by Me — Ben E. King
Blue Moon — The Marcels

Chord Details

B♭ Gm Cm F

More Progressions in B♭ 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