C# Backdoor Cadence
iv – ♭VII – I progression in C# major
C# Backdoor Cadence — iv – ♭VII – I
The C# Backdoor Cadence (F#m – B – C#) 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 (F#m7 – B7 – C#Maj7), the backdoor quality is even more pronounced.