3.18Minor-key chord functions

In A minor, using harmonic-minor practice, the most important chords are:

Am = i

Dm = iv

E or E7 = V / V7

These mirror major-key:

I – IV – V

but now:

i – iv – V

Notice:

V is still usually major.

That is because the raised 7 creates a major third in the dominant chord.

So:

A minor:

Am → Dm → E7 → Am

is:

i → iv → V7 → i

Play it several times.

Listen to:

home → movement → tension → home.

Same functional story as major, darker color.