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