G# Backdoor Cadence
iv – ♭VII – I progression in G# major
G# Backdoor Cadence — iv – ♭VII – I
The G# Backdoor Cadence (C#m – F# – G#) 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 (C#m7 – F#7 – G#Maj7), the backdoor quality is even more pronounced.