B Backdoor Cadence

iv – ♭VII – I progression in B major

Key

Chords

Triads7th Chords

Instrument

GuitarUkuleleBass

Harmony

Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.

Chord Voicings

ivEm

♭VIIA

BPM: 120

Triad Diagrams — B Backdoor Cadence (Guitar)

ivEm

♭VIIA

B Backdoor Cadence — iv – ♭VII – I

The B Backdoor Cadence (Em – A – B) resolves to the tonic through the "back door" — a minor iv chord followed by a ♭VII7, bypassing the usual dominant V–I. This unexpected approach produces a smoky, soulful resolution central to jazz and R&B harmony. With seventh chord voicings (Em7 – A7 – BMaj7), the backdoor quality is even more pronounced.

Jazz / SoulSoulful & Unexpected4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): Em, A, B.

Chords (7th): Em7, A7, BMaj7.

Famous songs using this progression

In My Life – The Beatles
Lady Bird – Tadd Dameron

B Backdoor Cadence

Triad Diagrams — B Backdoor Cadence (Guitar)

B Backdoor Cadence — iv – ♭VII – I

Famous songs using this progression

Related Progressions