i–v–♭VI–♭VII

The i–v–♭VI–♭VII progression steps upward through the natural minor scale, creating a steadily building momentum. The minor v (rather than a major V) keeps the sound firmly in Aeolian territory. This ascending pattern is common in epic rock and cinematic compositions.

Pattern: i – v – ♭VI – ♭VII   Example in A Minor: Am – Em – F – G

Genre: modal, rock   Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

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

Song Examples