The i–iv–V–i chord progression

Harmonic minor pull. The major V (from harmonic minor) pulls hard back to i.

Quick answer

i–iv–V–i in A minor is Am Dm E Am.

Key

What the i–iv–V–i progression sounds like

The major V (from harmonic minor) pulls hard back to i. In A minor it's Am Dm E Am.

You'll find it in Minor-key songwriting songwriting.

Scales that fit i–iv–V–i

Over this progression in A, the best-fitting scales are A Harmonic minor, A Natural minor (Aeolian), A Melodic minor (jazz). Put your own chords into the scale finder to see more.

i–iv–V–i in every key

The i–iv–V–i progression in all 12 minor keys
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
D# minor	D#m G#m A# D#m
Bb minor	Bbm Ebm F Bbm
F minor	Fm Bbm C Fm
C minor	Cm Fm G Cm
G minor	Gm Cm D Gm
D minor	Dm Gm A Dm

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Common questions

What are the chords in the i–iv–V–i progression?

In A minor the i–iv–V–i progression is Am Dm E Am. The pattern is the same in every key; the table above lists all 12.

What scale goes with i–iv–V–i?

In A, the A Harmonic minor fits best. A Natural minor (Aeolian) and A Melodic minor (jazz) add different colors.

Last updated November 14, 2026.