i–imaj7–i7–iv in A Minor

Pattern: i – imaj7 – i7 – iv Chords: Am – AmMaj7 – Am7 – Dm

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
i	Am (details)	minor	Tonic
imaj7	AmMaj7 (details)	minor major seventh	Tonic
i7	Am7 (details)	minor seventh	Tonic
iv	Dm (details)	minor	Subdominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Am (Tonic) → AmMaj7 (Tonic) → Am7 (Tonic) → Dm (Subdominant).

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.

Song Examples

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

Chord Details

Am AmMaj7 Am7 Dm

More Progressions in A 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

Related Progressions

i–♭VII–♭VI–V i–iv–v–i i–V