i–♭VII

The i–♭VII progression is a two-chord modal vamp rooted in the Aeolian mode. Its back-and-forth motion between the tonic minor and the subtonic major chord creates a hypnotic, open-ended feel. This shuttle is common in film scores and atmospheric rock.

Pattern: i – ♭VII   Example in A Minor: Am – G

Genre: modal, rock   Difficulty: beginner

Choose a Key

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

Song Examples