♭VII–V–I in A Major

Pattern: ♭VII – V – I   Chords: G – E – A

Chord Breakdown

NumeralChordTypeFunction
♭VII G (details) major Subtonic
V E (details) major Dominant
I A (details) major Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through G (Subtonic) → E (Dominant) → A (Tonic).

The backdoor dominant approach uses the ♭VII chord as an unexpected entry point before the standard dominant resolution. This creates a colorful, slightly ambiguous harmonic path that is a hallmark of sophisticated jazz writing.

Song Examples

Chord Details

More Progressions in A Major