I–♭VII in C Major

Pattern: I – ♭VII Chords: C – B♭

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	C (details)	major	Tonic
♭VII	B♭ (details)	major	Subtonic

Harmonic Analysis

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

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.

Song Examples

Sweet Child O' Mine (chorus), Guns N' Roses
Gloria, Them

Chord Details

C B♭

More Progressions in C Major

I–IV–V–I I–V–vi–IV I–vi–IV–V ii–V–I I–IV–V I–♭VII–IV vi–IV–I–V I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V I–IV I–V IV–V IV–I