Chord progression
The bVII–i–bVI–bVII chord progression
Bb – Cm – Ab – Bb in C. 14 songs in the library go round it. Hear it in any style and key, and see it in all twelve keys.
Want to mix it with other hands?
The loop
4 chords, round and round, in C. Each chord on the keys:
- BbBb · D · F
- CmC · Eb · G
- AbAb · C · Eb
In every key
Find your song's key on the left: its chords are the row. Each column keeps its colour, whatever the key.
Songs that go round it
14 songs, best known first. Rest the mouse on one to hear it.
Left hands these songs use
The patterns most often played under this loop.
Questions about bVII–i–bVI–bVII
What is the bVII–i–bVI–bVII chord progression?
A loop of 4 chords: Bb – Cm – Ab – Bb in C. The numerals say each chord's place in the key, so the same loop can be played in any key.
What songs use the bVII–i–bVI–bVII progression?
14 songs in the library repeat it, including Poker Face, Afire Love, Here Without You, As You Are and Bad Idea.
How do I play bVII–i–bVI–bVII on piano?
Hold each chord with the right hand while the left hand plays its root, then swap in a pattern: heartbeat octaves is the left hand these songs use most. The player above plays it in any style and key.