Lesson Goal: To quickly internalize the 1-4-flat 7-4 chord progression (I-IV-bVII-IV) in all keys… by ear, intellect, eye, and muscle…
Special Note: This 1-4-flat 7-4 chord progression lesson is an experiment to see what kinds of content might be of interest to Piano-ology visitors. Please don’t hesitate to comment and suggest ways that Frank might make these lessons as valuable as possible. Also include what other commonly used chord progressions interest you and if you’d like some play along backing tracks in various keys and tempos. Thanks a bunch in advance.
Table of Contents
Prerequisites
Basic music reading… LOVE of music… and the discipline to study and practice.
back to… Table of Contents
Character of the 1-4-flat 7-4 Chord Progression
The 1-4-flat 7-4 chord progression (I-IV-bVII-IV) is based on three major triads (but sometimes power chords) and screams Mixolydian Tonality. The simplicity of the chords and forward harmonic drive provide a solid harmonic foundation for rock, pop, and folk and everything from ballads to anthems to extended jams. You will hear and feel all this in the examples below…
Famous Songs that Use the I-IV-bVII-IV Chord Progression
Associating the theory and sound/feelings of this chord progression with familiar songs is a great way to develop your aural awareness. Here are some famous examples of the 1-4-flat 7-1 chord progressions in action.
As you listen, be receptive to the overall vibe of the progression as well as the sound-feelings evoked by each chord. Also notice where each chord is placed with the form. (Hints: The I chord establishes the major-ness and home key (because of the note Mi), the IV chord creates harmonic tension that want to go somewhere, the bVII chord creates a bluesy harmonic tension (because of the note Te) that also wants to go somewhere, the return of the IV chord craves resolution, and the harmonic tension is released with the return back to the I chord.
“And She Was” (Talking Heads)
Key: E (Mixolydian).
Chords: E-A-D-A.
Hint: Wait for the Chorus.
In this and all the examples that follow, use your ears to find where each chord fits into the form and rhythm.
“Like a Rock” (Bob Seger)
Key: Ab (Mixolydian).
Chords: Ab-Db-Gb-Db.
“R.O.C.K. in the USA” (John Cougar)
Key: E (Mixolydian).
Chords: E-A-D-A.
“Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” (The Blues Brothers)
Key: C (Mixolydian).
Chords: C-F-Bb-F.
“Tears of a Clown” (Smokey Robinson and the Miracles)
Key: C# or Db (Mixolydian).
Chords: C#-F#-B or Db-Gb-Cb.
“What I Like about You” (The Romantics)
Key: E (Mixolydian).
Chords: E-A-D-A.
“Cherry Cherry” (Neil Diamond)
Key: Eb (Mixolydian).
Chords: Eb-Ab-Db-Ab.
“Bridge over Troubled Water” (Simon & Garfunkel)
Key: The song overall is in the key of Eb Major, but Simon inserts what theoreticians call “mode mixture” or borrowed chords” in a few noteworthy moments that are Mixolydian: “When tears are in…” // “When evening falls…” // “Your time has come…”
Chords: Eb-Ab-Db-Ab.
“Dirty Water” (The Standells)
Key: E (Mixolydian).
Chords: E-A-D-A (played over an E pedal point).
This is a great example of combining a chord progression with another harmonic device, in this case pedal point.
Can you think of some other examples? (Please share below)
The 1-4-flat 7-4 Chord Progression, All Keys
Key of C (Mixolydian)
Say this out loud: “The I-IV-bVII-IV chord progression in the key of C is: C-F-Bb-F“
Ear Training Tip: Sing the bass line (Do-Do-Fa-Fa-Te-Te-Fa-Fa).
Key of C Sharp or D Flat (Mixolydian)
Say this out loud: “The I-IV-bVII-IV chord progression in the key of C# is: C#-F#-B-F#“
or “The I-IV-bVII-IV chord progression in the key of Db is: Db-Gb-Cb-Gb“
Key of D (Mixolydian)
Say this out loud: “The I-IV-bVII-IV chord progression in the key of D is: D-G-C-G“
Ear Training Tip: Pick one of the chord voices and sing it through the chord changes. For example, the top voice (So-So-La-La-Te-Te-La-La).
Key of E Flat (Mixolydian)
Say this out loud: “The I-IV-bVII-IV chord progression in the key of Eb is: Eb-Ab-Db-Ab“
Key of E (Mixolydian)
Say this out loud: “The I-IV-bVII-IV chord progression in the key of E is: E-A-D-A“
Key of F (Mixolydian)
Say this out loud: “The I-IV-bVII-IV chord progression in the key of F is: F-Bb-Eb-Bb“
Key of F Sharp (Mixolydian)
Say this out loud: “The I-IV-bVII-IV chord progression in the key of F# is: F#-B-E-B“
Key of G (Mixolydian)
Say this out loud: “The I-IV-bVII-IV chord progression in the key of G is: G-C-F-C“
Key of A Flat (Mixolydian)
Say this out loud: “The I-IV-bVII-IV chord progression in the key of Ab is: Ab-Db-Gb-Db“
Key of A (Mixolydian)
Say this out loud: “The I-IV-bVII-IV chord progression in the key of A is: A-D-G-D“
Key of B Flat (Mixolydian)
Say this out loud: “The I-IV-bVII-IV chord progression in the key of Bb is: Bb-Eb-Ab-Eb“
Key of B (Mixolydian)
Say this out loud: “The I-IV-bVII-IV chord progression in the key of B is: B-E-A-E“
Practice Tracks, All Keys (MP3s)
A simple 4 bar rendition of the 1-4-flat 7-4 chord progression played at various tempos, arranged chromatically ascending in all (Mixolydian) keys…
The benefits of playing along with a click track at various tempos cannot be overstated: slowly at first to have enough time to “think about everything”, then fast enough to be forced to “play without thinking”.
I-IV-bVII-IV Chord Progression, All Keys @ 100 bpm…
I-IV-bVII-IV Chord Progression, All Keys @ 120 bpm…
I-IV-bVII-IV Chord Progression, All Keys @ 140 bpm…
I-IV-bVII-IV Chord Progression, All Keys @ 160 bpm…
I-IV-bVII-IV Chord Progression, All Keys @ 180 bpm…
I-IV-bVII-IV Chord Progression, All Keys @ 200 bpm…
Pop/Rock Rhythm Tracks
Any interest in play along MP3 Practice Tracks with bass and drums in various styles, keys, and tempos?
learn more… Pop/Rock Lessons / Chords & Chord Progressions
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