Mixolydian rock and power-chord moves · I – ♭VII – IV · i – ♭VI – ♭VII
The I7-IV7-V7 of 50s rock & roll, the I–♭VII–IV Mixolydian classic, and metal's minor power-chord vocabulary.
Editorial content for this topic is in progress. The interactive player and pattern data are live below.
Hear the pattern
Interactive player — try the progression in any of the 18 keys, switch modes, and adjust tempo to find the feel you want.
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I›C
110 BPM
FormulaI – ♭VII – IV · i – ♭VI – ♭VII
FunctionSee "About" below for harmonic role.
Soundits worn-in, Americana rock spirit
Common in"Sweet Home Alabama" — Lynyrd Skynyrd · "Sympathy for the Devil" — Rolling Stones · "Johnny B. Goode" — Chuck Berry
Famous"Sweet Home Alabama" — Lynyrd Skynyrd · "Sympathy for the Devil" — Rolling Stones · "Johnny B. Goode" — Chuck Berry
The faded denim palette on this page is inspired by music-color synesthesia — classic rock progressions maps to faded denim, reflecting its worn-in, Americana rock spirit.
About Classic Rock Progressions
The I7-IV7-V7 of 50s rock & roll, the I–♭VII–IV Mixolydian classic, and metal's minor power-chord vocabulary.
Variations
Variation
Another way the pattern shows up in real music.
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
i›Cm
90 BPM
Variation
Another way the pattern shows up in real music.
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I›C
130 BPM
Variation
Another way the pattern shows up in real music.
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I7›C7
100 BPM
Famous songs & pieces
"Sweet Home Alabama" — Lynyrd Skynyrd
"Sympathy for the Devil" — Rolling Stones
"Johnny B. Goode" — Chuck Berry
Frequently asked questions
What is a classic rock progressions progression?
The I7-IV7-V7 of 50s rock & roll, the I–♭VII–IV Mixolydian classic, and metal's minor power-chord vocabulary.
How do I use this on the piano?
Start with the player above in C. Once the pattern is in your ear, transpose to the keys you actually play in. The Roman numerals stay the same; only the chord names change.