I–♭VI–♭VII–IV in B Major
Pattern: I – ♭VI – ♭VII – IV
Chords: B – G – A – E
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | B (details) | major | Tonic |
| ♭VI | G (details) | major | Submediant |
| ♭VII | A (details) | major | Subtonic |
| IV | E (details) | major | Subdominant |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through B (Tonic) → G (Submediant) → A (Subtonic) → E (Subdominant).
The I–♭VI–♭VII–IV progression borrows the ♭VI and ♭VII from the parallel minor before landing on the diatonic IV, blending dark and bright tonalities. The borrowed chords add grit and edge to what resolves as a major-key pattern. This mixture of modal borrowing and punk energy is common in pop-punk and alternative rock.
Song Examples
- Basket Case — Green Day
- All the Small Things — Blink-182