i–♭VI–iv

The i–♭VI–iv progression creates a deeply melancholic cycle using only minor and major triads from the natural minor scale. The leap to ♭VI provides a moment of warmth before the iv pulls the mood back down. This simple pattern is effective in ballads and introspective songs.

Pattern: i – ♭VI – iv   Example in A Minor: Am – F – Dm

Genre: pop, rock   Difficulty: beginner

Choose a Key

A Minor Am – F – Dm E Minor Em – C – Am B Minor Bm – G – Em F♯ Minor F♯m – D – Bm C♯ Minor C♯m – A – F♯m G♯ Minor G♯m – E – C♯m D Minor Dm – B♭ – Gm G Minor Gm – E♭ – Cm C Minor Cm – A♭ – Fm F Minor Fm – D♭ – Bbm B♭ Minor Bbm – G♭ – Ebm E♭ Minor Ebm – B – Abm

Song Examples