i–iv–V chord progression
The minor cadence. In D minor it's Dm – Gm – A – Dm. Press play, then pick any key from the menu.
In D minor, 4 beats per chord. Open in the progression builder
- iDm
- ivGm
- VA
- iDm
Why it works
The minor-key version of I–IV–V, with one change that matters: the V is major (A), borrowed from the harmonic minor scale. That major V contains the raised seventh, a half step below D, and that half step is what makes the return to Dm sound final. With a minor v (natural minor) the same progression sounds modal and unresolved.
In a few words: dark, dramatic, resolved.
Inside i–iv–V
Roots only: D – G – A – D. The smoothest way through it on piano:
- i → iv: Dm to Gm: play Gm in 2nd inversion (D–G–B♭) and D stays under the same finger, while F moves up to G and A up to B♭.
- iv → V: Gm to A: play A in root position (A–C♯–E), while G moves up to A, B♭ up to C♯ and D up to E.
- V → i: A to Dm: play Dm in 2nd inversion (A–D–F) and A stays under the same finger, while C♯ moves up to D and E up to F.
i–iv–V in all 12 keys
Pick the row that suits your voice or your instrument.
| Key | Chords | |
|---|---|---|
| A minor | Am – Dm – E – Am | |
| E minor | Em – Am – B – Em | |
| B minor | Bm – Em – F♯ – Bm | |
| F♯ minor | F♯m – Bm – C♯ – F♯m | |
| C♯ minor | C♯m – F♯m – G♯ – C♯m | |
| G♯ minor | G♯m – C♯m – D♯ – G♯m | |
| E♭ minor | E♭m – A♭m – B♭ – E♭m | |
| B♭ minor | B♭m – E♭m – F – B♭m | |
| F minor | Fm – B♭m – C – Fm | |
| C minor | Cm – Fm – G – Cm | |
| G minor | Gm – Cm – D – Gm | |
| D minor | Dm – Gm – A – Dm |
On guitar
The friendliest keys for i–iv–V on guitar are A minor and E minor, where every chord is an open shape.
A minor: Am – Dm – E – Am
E minor: Em – Am – B – Em
Somewhere else? A capo moves these shapes up: capo 2 turns A minor shapes into the key a whole step higher. Capo chart.
Ways to vary it
- Use a V7 for the strongest pull home.
- Insert VI before V (i–iv–VI–V) for a darker, more dramatic approach.
- Try the minor v instead of V to hear the difference the raised seventh makes.
Related progressions
Build your own progression and share it as a link
i–iv–V: questions
What is the i–iv–V chord progression?
The minor cadence: the chords on degrees 1, 4, 5, 1 of a minor key. In D minor that's Dm – Gm – A – Dm.
Why does i–iv–V sound good?
The minor-key version of I–IV–V, with one change that matters: the V is major (A), borrowed from the harmonic minor scale. That major V contains the raised seventh, a half step below D, and that half step is what makes the return to Dm sound final.
How do I play i–iv–V in G?
It's a minor progression, so use a minor key. In E minor: Em – Am – B – Em.
How do I change i–iv–V to another key?
Keep the numerals and swap the key: the numbers say which note of the scale each chord is built on. Use the key menu in the player above, or the table of all 12 keys on this page.
What else is i–iv–V called?
"1 4 5 minor". Musicians also call it the minor cadence.
Chords in every key are generated from the scale and checked by the site's theory tests. We describe progressions in general terms and don't transcribe songs. Updated September 2026.