i–iv–♭VII in C Minor

Pattern: i – iv – ♭VII Chords: Cm – Fm – B♭

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
i	Cm (details)	minor	Tonic
iv	Fm (details)	minor	Subdominant
♭VII	B♭ (details)	major	Subtonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Cm (Tonic) → Fm (Subdominant) → B♭ (Subtonic).

The i–iv–♭VII progression moves through the natural minor scale's primary chords without ever touching the dominant. This creates an open, unresolved quality that feels like drifting through a minor landscape. Its lack of strong resolution makes it ideal for atmospheric and folk-rock settings.

Song Examples

Breathe — Pink Floyd
Riders on the Storm — The Doors

Chord Details

Cm Fm B♭

More Progressions in C 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