i–V–♭VI–IV in G Minor

Pattern: i – V – ♭VI – IV   Chords: Gm – D – E♭ – C

Chord Breakdown

NumeralChordTypeFunction
i Gm (details) minor Tonic
V D (details) major Dominant
♭VI E♭ (details) major Submediant
IV C (details) major Subdominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Gm (Tonic) → D (Dominant) → E♭ (Submediant) → C (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 G Minor