i–V–♭VI–IV

The i–V–♭VI–IV progression mixes harmonic minor's dominant V with natural minor's ♭VI and a borrowed major IV. This chromatic blend creates a sophisticated, emotionally complex cycle. It appears in modern pop and rock where songwriters seek a darker twist on familiar progressions.

Pattern: i – V – ♭VI – IV   Example in A Minor: Am – E – F – D

Genre: pop, rock   Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

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

Song Examples