i6–iv in D Minor
Pattern: i6 – iv
Chords: Dm6 – Gm
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| i6 | Dm6 (details) | minor sixth | Tonic |
| iv | Gm (details) | minor | Subdominant |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through Dm6 (Tonic) → Gm (Subdominant).
The i6–iv progression moves from the minor sixth chord on the tonic to the subdominant minor. The added major sixth gives the tonic a ♭ittersweet brightness before settling into the darker subdominant, creating a wistful harmonic color. This motion is characteristic of jazz ballads and film noir scores where emotional ambiguity is desired.
Song Examples
- My Funny Valentine — jazz standard
- Autumn in New York — jazz standard
- Cry Me a River — Julie London