♭VII–IV–I in C Major

Pattern: ♭VII – IV – I   Chords: B♭ – F – C

Chord Breakdown

NumeralChordTypeFunction
♭VII B♭ (details) major Subtonic
IV F (details) major Subdominant
I C (details) major Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through B♭ (Subtonic) → F (Subdominant) → C (Tonic).

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.

Song Examples

Chord Details

More Progressions in C Major