i–iv–♭VI–V

The i–iv–♭VI–V progression builds drama through a natural minor ascent before resolving with a major dominant. The contrast between the soft ♭VI and the bright V creates a powerful emotional pivot. This progression is a favorite in power ballads and cinematic pop.

Pattern: i – iv – ♭VI – V   Example in A Minor: Am – Dm – F – E

Genre: rock, pop   Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

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

Song Examples