i-bVI Shuttle
The i-bVI shuttle is the chord progression i-bVI. In the key of C minor it is Cm Ab, and in the Nashville Number System it is written 1m b6.
Jump to the chords and audio in C, G, D, A and E
Why it works
The two chords share two notes, so only one voice has to move, a half step from the fifth of i to the root of bVI. Both come straight from the natural minor scale, which gives a dark, rocking sway. Open Music Theory describes the Aeolian shuttle as a shuttle between these same two chords with a passing bVII.
Songs that use it
These are the chords as played in each song, in the song's own key.
| Song | Artist | Section | Chords | Key |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Californication | Red Hot Chili Peppers | intro and verse | Am F | A minor |
| Zombie | The Cranberries | instrumental and outro | Em C | E minor |
| Iris | Goo Goo Dolls | instrumental and coda | Bm G | B minor |
i-bVI Shuttle: Chords and Audio in C, G, D, A and E
Press play to hear each key. The diagrams show the shapes used in the audio, and every chord links to its full page.
More progressions like this one
- Minor i-iv-V: Cm Fm G
- Minor i-iv-i-V shuttle: Cm Fm Cm G
- Minor i-bVI-V: Cm Ab G
- Minor i-bIII-bVII-bVI: Cm Eb Bb Ab
All guitar chord progressions →
Created by
Giancarlo is a musician (teaching guitar since 2000), software engineer, AI consultant and published researcher
FAQ
What are the chords of the i-bVI shuttle in each key?
In C minor: Cm Ab. In G minor: Gm Eb. In D minor: Dm Bb. In A minor: Am F. In E minor: Em C.
Which songs use the i-bVI shuttle?
Songs that use it include Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Zombie by The Cranberries, Iris by Goo Goo Dolls.
