i–♭VI–♭VII–i in G Minor

Pattern: i – ♭VI – ♭VII – i   Chords: Gm – E♭ – F – Gm

Chord Breakdown

NumeralChordTypeFunction
i Gm (details) minor Tonic
♭VI E♭ (details) major Submediant
♭VII F (details) major Subtonic
i Gm (details) minor Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Gm (Tonic) → E♭ (Submediant) → F (Subtonic) → Gm (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

Chord Details

More Progressions in G Minor