i–iv–i–V in A Minor

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

This minor blues cycle uses a minor tonic and subdominant with a major dominant for a dark, brooding feel. The major V chord at the end provides the pull back to the tonic, creating dramatic tension.

Song Examples

Black Magic Woman, Fleetwood Mac
All Along the Watchtower, Bob Dylan

Chord Details

Am Dm E

More Progressions in A Minor

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