I–♭VII–IV

The I–♭VII–IV progression draws from the Mixolydian mode, using the flatted seventh degree to create a bluesy, rock-oriented sound. It avoids the traditional dominant-tonic pull, giving it a laid-back, groovy character. This pattern is a staple of classic and Southern rock.

Pattern: I – ♭VII – IV Example in C Major: C – B♭ – F

Genre: rock, blues-rock, modal Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

C Major C – B♭ – F G Major G – F – C D Major D – C – G A Major A – G – D E Major E – D – A B Major B – A – E F♯ Major F♯ – E – B F Major F – E♭ – B♭ B♭ Major B♭ – A♭ – E♭ E♭ Major E♭ – D♭ – A♭ A♭ Major A♭ – G♭ – D♭ D♭ Major D♭ – B – G♭

Song Examples

Sweet Home Alabama, Lynyrd Skynyrd
Sympathy for the Devil, The Rolling Stones
Hey Jude (coda), The Beatles

Related Progressions

I–IV–V–major i–♭VII–♭VI–V