♭VII–IV–I

The ♭VII–IV–I progression chains two plagal (IV–I) motions together, descending by fourths from the borrowed ♭VII through IV to the tonic. This creates a powerful, grounded resolution that avoids dominant-function harmony entirely. It is a hallmark of classic rock and Britpop.

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

Genre: modal, rock   Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

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

Song Examples