i–♭III–♭VI–V in F♯ Minor
Pattern: i – ♭III – ♭VI – V
Chords: F♯m – A – D – C♯
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| i | F♯m (details) | minor | Tonic |
| ♭III | A (details) | major | Mediant |
| ♭VI | D (details) | major | Submediant |
| V | C♯ (details) | major | Dominant |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through F♯m (Tonic) → A (Mediant) → D (Submediant) → C♯ (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