Minor i-iv-bVII Chord Progression
The Minor i-iv-bVII is the chord progression i-iv-bVII. In the key of C minor it is Cm Fm Bb, and in the Nashville Number System it is written 1m 4m b7.
Jump to the chords and audio in C, G, D, A and E
Why it works
The first three chords of the minor circle of fifths, looped before reaching bIII. Roots fall by fifths, and bVII steps up to i instead of continuing. It feels like a question that keeps getting asked, which suits ballads and trap alike.
Songs that use it
These are the chords as played in each song, in the song's own key.
| Song | Artist | Section | Chords | Key |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Un-Break My Heart | Toni Braxton | verse | Bm Em7 A | B minor |
| The Box | Roddy Ricch | chorus | Bbm Ebm Ab | Bb minor |
| Barbie Girl | Aqua | verse | C#m F#m B | C# minor |
Minor i-iv-bVII 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.
Longer progressions that contain it
- Minor circle-of-fifths loop: Cm Fm Bb Eb
- Minor circle of fifths: Cm Fm Bb Eb Ab Dm7b5 G Cm
More progressions like this one
- Minor i-bIII-bVI-bVII: Cm Eb Ab Bb
- Minor i-bVI-iv-V: Cm Ab Fm G
- Andalusian cadence: Cm Bb Ab G
- i-iv-v: Cm Fm Gm
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-iv-bVII in each key?
In C minor: Cm Fm Bb. In G minor: Gm Cm F. In D minor: Dm Gm C. In A minor: Am Dm G. In E minor: Em Am D.
Which songs use the Minor i-iv-bVII?
Songs that use it include Un-Break My Heart by Toni Braxton, The Box by Roddy Ricch, Barbie Girl by Aqua.
