I–♭VII–IV–I in C Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

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

The I–♭VII–IV–I turnaround chains two plagal cadences together, descending by fourths from the borrowed ♭VII through IV back to the tonic. This plagal double descent avoids dominant harmony entirely, giving it a modal, earthy quality. It is a signature pattern in Britpop and classic rock.

Song Examples

Hey Jude (coda) — The Beatles
All Along the Watchtower — Jimi Hendrix

Chord Details

C B♭ F

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