Imaj7–IVmaj7 in A♭ Major

Pattern: Imaj7 – IVmaj7 Chords: Abmaj7 – Dbmaj7

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
Imaj7	Abmaj7 (details)	major seventh	Tonic
IVmaj7	Dbmaj7 (details)	major seventh	Subdominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Abmaj7 (Tonic) → Dbmaj7 (Subdominant).

The Imaj7–IVmaj7 progression is a foundational jazz and R&B movement, floating between two lush major seventh chords. Both chords share a dreamy, unresolved quality, and the motion between them creates a gentle harmonic rocking that avoids strong tension. This two-chord vamp is the bedrock of bossa nova, neo-soul, and lo-fi aesthetics.

Song Examples

The Girl from Ipanema — Jobim
Don't Know Why — Norah Jones
Fallin' — Alicia Keys

Chord Details

Abmaj7 Dbmaj7

More Progressions in A♭ 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

Related Progressions

I–IV Imaj7–ii–V IVmaj7–iii7–ii7–V7