I–♭VII–IV in E Major

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

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through E (Tonic) → D (Subtonic) → A (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

E D A

More Progressions in E 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