i–imaj7–i7–iv in E Minor

Pattern: i – imaj7 – i7 – iv Chords: Em – EmMaj7 – Em7 – Am

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
i	Em (details)	minor	Tonic
imaj7	EmMaj7 (details)	minor major seventh	Tonic
i7	Em7 (details)	minor seventh	Tonic
iv	Am (details)	minor	Subdominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Em (Tonic) → EmMaj7 (Tonic) → Em7 (Tonic) → Am (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

Em EmMaj7 Em7 Am

More Progressions in E 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