i–♭VI–iv in C♯ Minor

Pattern: i – ♭VI – iv Chords: C♯m – A – F♯m

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
i	C♯m (details)	minor	Tonic
♭VI	A (details)	major	Submediant
iv	F♯m (details)	minor	Subdominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through C♯m (Tonic) → A (Submediant) → F♯m (Subdominant).

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.

Song Examples

Skinny Love — Bon Iver
Mad World — Gary Jules

Chord Details

C♯m A F♯m

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