i–v–♭VI–♭VII in A Minor

Pattern: i – v – ♭VI – ♭VII Chords: Am – Em – F – G

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
i	Am (details)	minor	Tonic
v	Em (details)	minor	Dominant
♭VI	F (details)	major	Submediant
♭VII	G (details)	major	Subtonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Am (Tonic) → Em (Dominant) → F (Submediant) → G (Subtonic).

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.

Song Examples

Comfortably Numb (verse) — Pink Floyd
Space Oddity — David Bowie

Chord Details

Am Em F G

More Progressions in A 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