F Backdoor Cadence

iv – ♭VII – I progression in F major

F major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
ivB♭m
♭VIIE♭
IF

Triad Diagrams — F Backdoor Cadence (Guitar)

F Backdoor Cadenceiv – ♭VII – I

The F Backdoor Cadence (Bbm – Eb – F) 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 (Bbm7 – Eb7 – FMaj7), the backdoor quality is even more pronounced.

Jazz / SoulSoulful & Unexpected4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): Bbm, Eb, F.

Chords (7th): Bbm7, Eb7, FMaj7.

Famous songs using this progression

  • In My Life – The Beatles
  • Lady Bird – Tadd Dameron