I–♭III–♭VII–IV in A Major

Pattern: I – ♭III – ♭VII – IV Chords: A – C – G – D

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	A (details)	major	Tonic
♭III	C (details)	major	Mediant
♭VII	G (details)	major	Subtonic
IV	D (details)	major	Subdominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through A (Tonic) → C (Mediant) → G (Subtonic) → D (Subdominant).

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.

Song Examples

Hey Jude (coda) — The Beatles
Sympathy for the Devil — The Rolling Stones

Chord Details

A C G D

More Progressions in A 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