i–♭VI–V in C Minor

Pattern: i – ♭VI – V Chords: Cm – A♭ – G

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
i	Cm (details)	minor	Tonic
♭VI	A♭ (details)	major	Submediant
V	G (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Cm (Tonic) → A♭ (Submediant) → G (Dominant).

The i–♭VI–V progression uses the dramatic half-step motion between ♭VI and V to create a powerful cadential gesture. The chromatic shift from the warm ♭VI to the bright V generates intense tension before resolving to the tonic. This pattern has been used from Baroque music to modern rock.

Song Examples

Hit Me with Your Best Shot — Pat Benatar
Fur Elise — Ludwig van Beethoven

Chord Details

Cm A♭ G

More Progressions in C Minor

i–♭VII–♭VI–V i–iv–v vi–IV–I–V i–iv–i–V iv–iv–i–V i–iv–i i–iv–V vi–V–IV–III i–♭VII i–♭III–♭VII i–♭VII–IV i–♭VII–♭VI