I–♭VII–IV in A♭ Major

Pattern: I – ♭VII – IV Chords: A♭ – G♭ – D♭

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	A♭ (details)	major	Tonic
♭VII	G♭ (details)	major	Subtonic
IV	D♭ (details)	major	Subdominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through A♭ (Tonic) → G♭ (Subtonic) → D♭ (Subdominant).

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.

Song Examples

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

Chord Details

A♭ G♭ D♭

More Progressions in A♭ Major

I–IV–V–I I–V–vi–IV I–vi–IV–V ii–V–I I–IV–V vi–IV–I–V I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V I–IV I–V IV–V IV–I V–I

Related Progressions

I–IV–V i–♭VII–♭VI–V