iii–♭III–ii–♭II–I in B Major
Pattern: iii – ♭III – ii – ♭II – I
Chords: D♯m – D – C♯m – C – B
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| iii | D♯m (details) | minor | Mediant |
| ♭III | D (details) | major | Mediant |
| ii | C♯m (details) | minor | Supertonic |
| ♭II | C (details) | major | Supertonic |
| I | B (details) | major | Tonic |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through D♯m (Mediant) → D (Mediant) → C♯m (Supertonic) → C (Supertonic) → B (Tonic).
A fully chromatic descending bass line from iii to I, alternating between diatonic and borrowed chords. This creates a sophisticated, tension-filled descent that is a hallmark of modern jazz harmony and Coltrane-era composition.
Song Examples
- Giant Steps — John Coltrane
- 26-2 — John Coltrane