i–♭VII–i in B Minor
Pattern: i – ♭VII – i
Chords: Bm – A – Bm
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| i | Bm (details) | minor | Tonic |
| ♭VII | A (details) | major | Subtonic |
| i | Bm (details) | minor | Tonic |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through Bm (Tonic) → A (Subtonic) → Bm (Tonic).
The i–♭VII–i progression creates a simple neighbor-tone motion, stepping down to the subtonic and returning to the minor tonic. This rocking two-chord vamp has an ancient, modal quality that evokes folk traditions and medieval music. Its simplicity makes it effective for building hypnotic grooves.
Song Examples
- Dazed and Confused, Led Zeppelin
- Immigrant Song, Led Zeppelin