I–♭VI–♭VII–IV in G Major
Pattern: I – ♭VI – ♭VII – IV
Chords: G – E♭ – F – C
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | G (details) | major | Tonic |
| ♭VI | E♭ (details) | major | Submediant |
| ♭VII | F (details) | major | Subtonic |
| IV | C (details) | major | Subdominant |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through G (Tonic) → E♭ (Submediant) → F (Subtonic) → C (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