I–♭VII

The I–♭VII progression borrows the flat-seven chord from Mixolydian mode, giving a major-key vamp a bluesy, rootsy character. Its simplicity makes it a favorite in classic rock and folk-rock. The ♭VII adds a gritty tension that avoids the pull of a dominant V chord.

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

Genre: modal, rock   Difficulty: beginner

Choose a Key

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

Song Examples