i–iv–v–i in C Minor

Pattern: i – iv – v – i Chords: Cm – Fm – Gm – Cm

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
i	Cm (details)	minor	Tonic
iv	Fm (details)	minor	Subdominant
v	Gm (details)	minor	Dominant
i	Cm (details)	minor	Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Cm (Tonic) → Fm (Subdominant) → Gm (Dominant) → Cm (Tonic).

The i–iv–v–i progression is the natural minor counterpart to the major I–IV–V–I. Using the minor v chord (instead of the borrowed major V) gives it a darker, more modal quality. It avoids the leading-tone pull of the harmonic minor, creating a gentler, less urgent resolution that is common in rock, metal, and folk music.

Song Examples

All Along the Watchtower, Bob Dylan
Dazed and Confused, Led Zeppelin
Hit the Road Jack, Ray Charles

Chord Details

Cm Fm Gm

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

Related Progressions

i–iv–V–harmonic–minor i–♭VI–♭VII i–iv–v–natural–minor