D Descending Minor Cliché
vi – viM7 – vi7 – II progression in D major
D Descending Minor Cliché — vi – viM7 – vi7 – II
The D Descending Minor Cliché (Bm – Bm – Bm – E) 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 (Bm7 – BmM7 – Bm7 – E7), the chromatic descent is fully realized.