I V bVII IV Chord Progression
In the key of C major the I-V-bVII-IV progression is C G Bb F. In the Nashville Number System it is written 1 5 b7 4.
Chords from outside the key of C major: Bb.
Jump to the chords and audio in C, G, D, A and E
Why it works
Wikipedia files this under the chromatic descending 5-6 sequence. It is I-V, then the same move a whole step lower with bVII-IV, so the two halves mirror each other. The bVII gives a Mixolydian shade and the bass falls a fourth in each half for a rolling rock feel.
How to use it
This is a variation of the popular I-V-vi-IV, in this case the vi has been replaced with the bVII. This gives our basic pop progression a more bluesy feel without the minor chord. It goes to show how the right substitution can keep the underlying structure while adding a whole new feel and texture to the music.
Songs that use it
These are the chords as played in each song, in the song's own key.
| Song | Artist | Section | Chords | Key |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterfalls | TLC | verse and chorus | Eb Bb Db Ab | Eb major |
| (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman | Carole King | verse | C G/B Bb F | C major |
| Rio | Duran Duran | chorus | E B D A | E major |
| Take Me Home | Phil Collins | verse | Eb Bb Db Ab | Eb major |
| After the Gold Rush | Neil Young | chorus | D A C G | D major |
| Make You Feel My Love | Adele | verse | Bb F/A Ab Eb | Bb major |
I V bVII IV Chord Progression: Chords and Audio in C, G, D, A and E
Press play to hear each key. The diagrams show the shapes used in the audio, and every chord links to its full page.
More progressions like this one
- I-bIII-bVII-IV: C Eb Bb F
- I-i: C Cm
- I-III-vi-IV: C E Am F
- Subtonic shuttle: C Bb
All guitar chord progressions →
Created by
Giancarlo is a musician (teaching guitar since 2000), software engineer, AI consultant and published researcher
FAQ
What are the chords of the I-V-bVII-IV progression in each key?
In C major: C G Bb F. In G major: G D F C. In D major: D A C G. In A major: A E G D. In E major: E B D A.
Which songs use the I-V-bVII-IV progression?
Songs that use it include Waterfalls by TLC, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman by Carole King, Rio by Duran Duran.
