i–♭VI–♭III–♭VII in D Minor

Pattern: i – ♭VI – ♭III – ♭VII   Chords: Dm – B♭ – F – C

Chord Breakdown

NumeralChordTypeFunction
i Dm (details) minor Tonic
♭VI B♭ (details) major Submediant
♭III F (details) major Mediant
♭VII C (details) major Subtonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Dm (Tonic) → B♭ (Submediant) → F (Mediant) → C (Subtonic).

The i–♭VI–♭III–♭VII progression cascades through the natural minor scale using only major chords. Each chord root drops by a third, creating a smooth, flowing motion. This all-major-chord cycle in a minor key gives the progression an epic, anthemic quality.

Song Examples

Chord Details

More Progressions in D Minor