i–V–♭VI–IV in C♯ Minor

Pattern: i – V – ♭VI – IV   Chords: C♯m – G♯ – A – F♯

Chord Breakdown

NumeralChordTypeFunction
i C♯m (details) minor Tonic
V G♯ (details) major Dominant
♭VI A (details) major Submediant
IV F♯ (details) major Subdominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through C♯m (Tonic) → G♯ (Dominant) → A (Submediant) → F♯ (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 C♯ Minor