I–♭VII–♭VI

The I–♭VII–♭VI progression descends chromatically through borrowed major chords, creating a dramatic, cinematic quality from a major starting point. This stepwise descent evokes tension and grandeur. It is a favorite in classic rock and power ballads.

Pattern: I – ♭VII – ♭VI   Example in C Major: C – B♭ – A♭

Genre: modal, rock   Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

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

Song Examples