i–♭VII–i in F Minor

Pattern: i – ♭VII – i   Chords: Fm – E♭ – Fm

Chord Breakdown

NumeralChordTypeFunction
i Fm (details) minor Tonic
♭VII E♭ (details) major Subtonic
i Fm (details) minor Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Fm (Tonic) → E♭ (Subtonic) → Fm (Tonic).

The i–♭VII–i progression creates a simple neighbor-tone motion, stepping down to the subtonic and returning to the minor tonic. This rocking two-chord vamp has an ancient, modal quality that evokes folk traditions and medieval music. Its simplicity makes it effective for building hypnotic grooves.

Song Examples

Chord Details

More Progressions in F Minor