I–♭VI–♭VII–I in A Major

Pattern: I – ♭VI – ♭VII – I Chords: A – F – G – A

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	A (details)	major	Tonic
♭VI	F (details)	major	Submediant
♭VII	G (details)	major	Subtonic
I	A (details)	major	Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through A (Tonic) → F (Submediant) → G (Subtonic) → A (Tonic).

The I–♭VI–♭VII–I progression borrows two chords from the parallel minor to create a heavy, powerful major-key riff. The ♭VI and ♭VII provide dark, chromatic contrast before the triumphant return to the major tonic. This pattern is a staple of power metal and hard rock anthems.

Song Examples

Enter Sandman, Metallica
Thunderstruck, AC/DC

Chord Details

A F G

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