A Descending Minor Cliché
vi – viM7 – vi7 – II progression in A major
A Descending Minor Cliché — vi – viM7 – vi7 – II
The A Descending Minor Cliché (F#m – F#m – F#m – B) generates motion by moving chromatically through the vi chord — from minor to minor-major 7th to minor 7th — before resolving to a major II chord. This sophisticated voice-leading movement creates a romantic, melancholic atmosphere found in jazz standards and classic pop. With seventh chord voicings (F#m7 – F#mM7 – F#m7 – B7), the chromatic descent is fully realized.