F# Backdoor Cadence

iv – ♭VII – I progression in F# major

F♯ major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
ivBm
♭VIIE
IF#

Triad Diagrams — F# Backdoor Cadence (Guitar)

F# Backdoor Cadenceiv – ♭VII – I

The F# Backdoor Cadence (Bm – E – 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 (Bm7 – E7 – F#Maj7), the backdoor quality is even more pronounced.

Jazz / SoulSoulful & Unexpected4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): Bm, E, F#.

Chords (7th): Bm7, E7, F#Maj7.

Famous songs using this progression

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