iii–♭III–ii–♭II–I in D♭ Major
Pattern: iii – ♭III – ii – ♭II – I
Chords: Fm – E – Ebm – D – D♭
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| iii | Fm (details) | minor | Mediant |
| ♭III | E (details) | major | Mediant |
| ii | Ebm (details) | minor | Supertonic |
| ♭II | D (details) | major | Supertonic |
| I | D♭ (details) | major | Tonic |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through Fm (Mediant) → E (Mediant) → Ebm (Supertonic) → D (Supertonic) → D♭ (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