I–♭II–I in C Major

Pattern: I – ♭II – I Chords: C – D♭ – C

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	C (details)	major	Tonic
♭II	D♭ (details)	major	Supertonic
I	C (details)	major	Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through C (Tonic) → D♭ (Supertonic) → C (Tonic).

A striking chromatic movement that lifts the harmony a half step to the Neapolitan chord before returning to the tonic. This creates a momentary sense of displacement and tension that resolves immediately.

Song Examples

Lady Bird — Tadd Dameron
Moment's Notice — John Coltrane

Chord Details

C D♭

More Progressions in C Major

I–IV–V–I I–V–vi–IV I–vi–IV–V ii–V–I I–IV–V I–♭VII–IV vi–IV–I–V I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V I–IV I–V IV–V IV–I