i–v–♭VI–♭VII in D Minor

Pattern: i – v – ♭VI – ♭VII Chords: Dm – Am – B♭ – C

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
i	Dm (details)	minor	Tonic
v	Am (details)	minor	Dominant
♭VI	B♭ (details)	major	Submediant
♭VII	C (details)	major	Subtonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Dm (Tonic) → Am (Dominant) → B♭ (Submediant) → C (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

Dm Am B♭ C

More Progressions in D 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