i–v–♭VI–♭VII in C Minor

Pattern: i – v – ♭VI – ♭VII Chords: Cm – Gm – A♭ – B♭

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
i	Cm (details)	minor	Tonic
v	Gm (details)	minor	Dominant
♭VI	A♭ (details)	major	Submediant
♭VII	B♭ (details)	major	Subtonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Cm (Tonic) → Gm (Dominant) → A♭ (Submediant) → B♭ (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

Cm Gm A♭ 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