E Backdoor Cadence

iv – ♭VII – I progression in E major

Key

Chords

Triads7th Chords

Instrument

GuitarUkuleleBass

Harmony

Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.

Chord Voicings

ivAm

♭VIID

BPM: 120

Triad Diagrams — E Backdoor Cadence (Guitar)

ivAm

♭VIID

E Backdoor Cadence — iv – ♭VII – I

The E Backdoor Cadence (Am – D – E) 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 (Am7 – D7 – EMaj7), the backdoor quality is even more pronounced.

Jazz / SoulSoulful & Unexpected4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): Am, D, E.

Chords (7th): Am7, D7, EMaj7.

Famous songs using this progression

In My Life – The Beatles
Lady Bird – Tadd Dameron

E Backdoor Cadence

Triad Diagrams — E Backdoor Cadence (Guitar)

E Backdoor Cadence — iv – ♭VII – I

Famous songs using this progression

Related Progressions