i–iv–V in A Minor

Pattern: i – iv – V Chords: Am – Dm – E

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
i	Am (details)	minor	Tonic
iv	Dm (details)	minor	Subdominant
V	E (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Am (Tonic) → Dm (Subdominant) → E (Dominant).

This three-chord minor blues cadence moves from the minor tonic through the minor subdominant to a major dominant. The major V chord at the end creates a strong pull back to i, essential for minor blues.

Song Examples

Hit the Road Jack, Ray Charles
House of the Rising Sun, The Animals

Chord Details

Am Dm E

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 vi–V–IV–III i–♭VII i–♭III–♭VII i–♭VII–IV i–♭VII–♭VI i–♭III–♭VII–IV