i–iv–♭VII–V in F♯ Minor
Pattern: i – iv – ♭VII – V
Chords: F♯m – Bm – E – C♯
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| i | F♯m (details) | minor | Tonic |
| iv | Bm (details) | minor | Subdominant |
| ♭VII | E (details) | major | Subtonic |
| V | C♯ (details) | major | Dominant |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through F♯m (Tonic) → Bm (Subdominant) → E (Subtonic) → C♯ (Dominant).
The i–iv–♭VII–V progression moves through the minor subdominant and subtonic before landing on a dominant V for resolution. The ♭VII-to-V motion creates a distinctive whole-step drop that adds tension before the cadence. This pattern works well in dramatic rock verses and pre-choruses.
Song Examples
- Somebody to Love — Queen
- Take Me to Church — Hozier