E Descending Minor Cliché
vi – viM7 – vi7 – II progression in E major
E Descending Minor Cliché — vi – viM7 – vi7 – II
The E Descending Minor Cliché (C#m – C#m – C#m – F#) 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 (C#m7 – C#mM7 – C#m7 – F#7), the chromatic descent is fully realized.