I–♭III–♭VII–IV in C Major

Pattern: I – ♭III – ♭VII – IV Chords: C – E♭ – B♭ – F

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through C (Tonic) → E♭ (Mediant) → B♭ (Subtonic) → F (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

C E♭ B♭ F

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