i–V–♭VI–IV in B♭ Minor

Pattern: i – V – ♭VI – IV   Chords: Bbm – F – G♭ – E♭

Chord Breakdown

NumeralChordTypeFunction
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

Chord Details

More Progressions in B♭ Minor