i–♭VI–♭III–♭VII–iv–V in C Minor

Pattern: i – ♭VI – ♭III – ♭VII – iv – V Chords: Cm – A♭ – E♭ – B♭ – Fm – G

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
i	Cm (details)	minor	Tonic
♭VI	A♭ (details)	major	Submediant
♭III	E♭ (details)	major	Mediant
♭VII	B♭ (details)	major	Subtonic
iv	Fm (details)	minor	Subdominant
V	G (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Cm (Tonic) → A♭ (Submediant) → E♭ (Mediant) → B♭ (Subtonic) → Fm (Subdominant) → G (Dominant).

The i–♭VI–♭III–♭VII–iv–V is an expansive six-chord minor progression that traverses the entire natural minor landscape before resolving via the harmonic minor dominant. The long harmonic arc creates an epic narrative quality ideal for dramatic compositions. This pattern appears in progressive rock and symphonic metal.

Song Examples

Bohemian Rhapsody (operatic section) — Queen
A Matter of Life and Death — Iron Maiden

Chord Details

Cm A♭ E♭ B♭ Fm 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