I–♭III–♭VII–IV in F Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

F A♭ E♭ B♭

More Progressions in F 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