i–♭III–♭VI–♭VII in F♯ Minor

Pattern: i – ♭III – ♭VI – ♭VII   Chords: F♯m – A – D – E

Chord Breakdown

NumeralChordTypeFunction
i F♯m (details) minor Tonic
♭III A (details) major Mediant
♭VI D (details) major Submediant
♭VII E (details) major Subtonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through F♯m (Tonic) → A (Mediant) → D (Submediant) → E (Subtonic).

The i–♭III–♭VI–♭VII progression cycles through the natural minor scale's major chords, creating a wheel-like harmonic motion. Each chord provides a bright contrast to the minor tonic, giving the progression an anthemic, soaring quality. It is common in alternative rock and post-punk.

Song Examples

Chord Details

More Progressions in F♯ Minor