i–♭III–IV in B♭ Minor
Pattern: i – ♭III – IV
Chords: Bbm – D♭ – E♭
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| i | Bbm (details) | minor | Tonic |
| ♭III | D♭ (details) | major | Mediant |
| IV | E♭ (details) | major | Subdominant |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through Bbm (Tonic) → D♭ (Mediant) → E♭ (Subdominant).
The i–♭III–IV progression rises stepwise from the minor tonic through the relative major to a Dorian IV chord. The major IV gives this minor progression an unexpectedly bright, hopeful quality. It is used extensively in funk, R&B, and modal rock.
Song Examples
- Get Lucky, Daft Punk
- Brick House, Commodores