i–♭VI–♭VII–i in A Minor

Pattern: i – ♭VI – ♭VII – i Chords: Am – F – G – Am

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
i	Am (details)	minor	Tonic
♭VI	F (details)	major	Submediant
♭VII	G (details)	major	Subtonic
i	Am (details)	minor	Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Am (Tonic) → F (Submediant) → G (Subtonic) → Am (Tonic).

The i–♭VI–♭VII–i progression creates a complete orbit from the minor tonic through two borrowed major chords and back. The stepwise ascent from ♭VI to ♭VII builds momentum before resolving home. This cyclical pattern is popular in new wave and alternative rock.

Song Examples

Running Up That Hill — Kate Bush
Zombie — The Cranberries

Chord Details

Am F G

More Progressions in A 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