i–♭VI–♭VII–i in C Minor

Pattern: i – ♭VI – ♭VII – i Chords: Cm – A♭ – B♭ – Cm

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
i	Cm (details)	minor	Tonic
♭VI	A♭ (details)	major	Submediant
♭VII	B♭ (details)	major	Subtonic
i	Cm (details)	minor	Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Cm (Tonic) → A♭ (Submediant) → B♭ (Subtonic) → Cm (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

Cm A♭ B♭

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