I–♭VII–I in D Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through D (Tonic) → C (Subtonic) → D (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

D C

More Progressions in D 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