C Descending Minor Cliché
vi – viM7 – vi7 – II progression in C major
C Descending Minor Cliché — vi – viM7 – vi7 – II
The C Descending Minor Cliché (Am – Am – Am – D) 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 (Am7 – AmM7 – Am7 – D7), the chromatic descent is fully realized.