I–♭VII–I in C Major

Pattern: I – ♭VII – I Chords: C – B♭ – C

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	C (details)	major	Tonic
♭VII	B♭ (details)	major	Subtonic
I	C (details)	major	Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through C (Tonic) → B♭ (Subtonic) → C (Tonic).

Using the flat seventh chord borrowed from the Mixolydian mode, this progression creates a gritty, bluesy slide effect. The ♭VII adds a raw, rebellious quality that defines blues rock.

Song Examples

Sympathy for the Devil — The Rolling Stones
Whole Lotta Love — Led Zeppelin

Chord Details

C B♭

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