I–♭III–♭VII–IV in B♭ Major

Pattern: I – ♭III – ♭VII – IV Chords: B♭ – D♭ – A♭ – E♭

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through B♭ (Tonic) → D♭ (Mediant) → A♭ (Subtonic) → E♭ (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

B♭ D♭ A♭ E♭

More Progressions in B♭ 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