i–imaj7–i7–iv

The i–imaj7–i7–iv progression is the classic chromatic line cliché in minor keys. A single voice descends chromatically from the octave through the major seventh and minor seventh while the rest of the chord remains static, creating a hypnotic, cinematic effect. This descending bass line or inner-voice motion is one of the most recognizable sounds in film music and jazz ballads.

Pattern: i – imaj7 – i7 – iv Example in A Minor: Am – AmMaj7 – Am7 – Dm

Genre: jazz, film, pop, classical Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

A Minor Am – AmMaj7 – Am7 – Dm E Minor Em – EmMaj7 – Em7 – Am B Minor Bm – BmMaj7 – Bm7 – Em F♯ Minor F♯m – F♯mMaj7 – F♯m7 – Bm C♯ Minor C♯m – C♯mMaj7 – C♯m7 – F♯m G♯ Minor G♯m – G♯mMaj7 – G♯m7 – C♯m D Minor Dm – DmMaj7 – Dm7 – Gm G Minor Gm – GmMaj7 – Gm7 – Cm C Minor Cm – CmMaj7 – Cm7 – Fm F Minor Fm – FmMaj7 – Fm7 – Bbm B♭ Minor Bbm – BbmMaj7 – Bbm7 – Ebm E♭ Minor Ebm – EbmMaj7 – Ebm7 – Abm

Song Examples

My Funny Valentine — jazz standard
James Bond Theme — John Barry
Stairway to Heaven (intro) — Led Zeppelin

Related Progressions

i–♭VII–♭VI–V i–iv–v–i i–V