i–♭VI–IV–V in A Minor

Pattern: i – ♭VI – IV – V Chords: Am – F – D – E

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
i	Am (details)	minor	Tonic
♭VI	F (details)	major	Submediant
IV	D (details)	major	Subdominant
V	E (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Am (Tonic) → F (Submediant) → D (Subdominant) → E (Dominant).

The i–♭VI–IV–V progression mixes natural minor's ♭VI with a Dorian major IV before resolving through the harmonic minor's dominant V. This blend of modal sources creates a rich, powerful sound. The pattern is common in progressive metal and power ballads where darkness meets resolution.

Song Examples

Fear of the Dark — Iron Maiden
Tears Don't Fall — Bullet for My Valentine

Chord Details

Am F D E

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