i–♭III–♭VI–V in B Minor
Pattern: i – ♭III – ♭VI – V
Chords: Bm – D – G – F♯
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| i | Bm (details) | minor | Tonic |
| ♭III | D (details) | major | Mediant |
| ♭VI | G (details) | major | Submediant |
| V | F♯ (details) | major | Dominant |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through Bm (Tonic) → D (Mediant) → G (Submediant) → F♯ (Dominant).
The i–♭III–♭VI–V progression moves through the natural minor's major chords before resolving with a harmonic minor dominant. The stepwise root motion from ♭III to ♭VI creates a cascading, flowing quality. This combination of modal wandering and dominant resolution appears in many emotional pop and rock songs.
Song Examples
- Somebody That I Used to Know — Gotye
- Creep — Radiohead