Minor i-bVI-V Chord Progression
The Minor i-bVI-V is the chord progression i-bVI-V. In the key of C minor it is Cm Ab G, and in the Nashville Number System it is written 1m b6 5.
It is also known as Sweet Dreams progression (informal).
Chords from outside the key of C minor: G.
Jump to the chords and audio in C, G, D, A and E
Why it works
The bVI sits a half step above V, so the bass falls a half step into the dominant, and that V then has a leading tone pulling back to i. This combination of natural minor bVI and raised-third V comes from harmonic minor. It gives a tense, circular, Latin or dark-pop feel.
Songs that use it
These are the chords as played in each song, in the song's own key.
| Song | Artist | Section | Chords | Key |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth | Santana ft. Rob Thomas | intro and verse | Am F E7 | A minor |
| Havana | Camila Cabello | verse and chorus | Gm Eb D7 | G minor |
| Believer | Imagine Dragons | verse and chorus | Bbm Gb F | Bb minor |
| Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) | Eurythmics | main riff and verse | Cm Ab G | C minor |
Minor i-bVI-V Chord Progression: 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.
Same loop, different starting chord
- German sixth approach: Ab7 G7 Cm
More progressions like this one
- Minor i-bIII-bVII-bVI: Cm Eb Bb Ab
- Aeolian shuttle: Cm Bb Ab Bb
- Minor i-bVII-iv: Cm Bb Fm
- Minor circle-of-fifths loop: Cm Fm Bb Eb
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 Minor i-bVI-V in each key?
In C minor: Cm Ab G. In G minor: Gm Eb D. In D minor: Dm Bb A. In A minor: Am F E. In E minor: Em C B.
Which songs use the Minor i-bVI-V?
Songs that use it include Smooth by Santana ft. Rob Thomas, Havana by Camila Cabello, Believer by Imagine Dragons.
