i–V–♭VI–IV in B♭ Minor
Pattern: i – V – ♭VI – IV
Chords: Bbm – F – G♭ – E♭
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| i | Bbm (details) | minor | Tonic |
| V | F (details) | major | Dominant |
| ♭VI | G♭ (details) | major | Submediant |
| IV | E♭ (details) | major | Subdominant |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through Bbm (Tonic) → F (Dominant) → G♭ (Submediant) → E♭ (Subdominant).
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.
Song Examples
- If I Lose Myself — OneRepublic
- Uprising — Muse