i–♭VII–♭VI–V–i in F Minor

Pattern: i – ♭VII – ♭VI – V – i Chords: Fm – E♭ – D♭ – C – Fm

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
i	Fm (details)	minor	Tonic
♭VII	E♭ (details)	major	Subtonic
♭VI	D♭ (details)	major	Submediant
V	C (details)	major	Dominant
i	Fm (details)	minor	Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Fm (Tonic) → E♭ (Subtonic) → D♭ (Submediant) → C (Dominant) → Fm (Tonic).

The i–♭VII–♭VI–V–i is the complete Andalusian cadence with resolution back to the tonic. This descending tetrachord progression has roots in flamenco and Renaissance music. The stepwise bass descent creates an irresistible gravitational pull that has captivated composers for centuries.

Song Examples

Sultans of Swing — Dire Straits
California Dreamin' — The Mamas & the Papas

Chord Details

Fm E♭ D♭ C

More Progressions in F 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