I–♭III–♭VII–IV

The I–♭III–♭VII–IV progression blends Mixolydian and Dorian borrowings into a four-chord rock loop. The ♭III and ♭VII add modal color while the IV provides a familiar landing point. This pattern is a staple of arena rock and jam-band music.

Pattern: I – ♭III – ♭VII – IV   Example in C Major: C – E♭ – B♭ – F

Genre: modal, rock   Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

C Major C – E♭ – B♭ – F G Major G – B♭ – F – C D Major D – F – C – G A Major A – C – G – D E Major E – G – D – A B Major B – D – A – E F♯ Major F♯ – A – E – B F Major F – A♭ – E♭ – B♭ B♭ Major B♭ – D♭ – A♭ – E♭ E♭ Major E♭ – G♭ – D♭ – A♭ A♭ Major A♭ – B – G♭ – D♭ D♭ Major D♭ – E – B – G♭

Song Examples