iibVII
iibVII is a two-chord Roman numeral progression in tonal harmony, denoting the sequence of the supertonic (ii) chord followed by the flat-seven (bVII) chord. In practice, iibVII is often written as ii–bVII or simply iibVII as a compact shorthand. The concept is most common in popular music, rock, and jazz-influenced styles; it is less standard in traditional classical harmony.
Chord qualities and key contexts
- In major keys, ii is typically a minor triad and bVII is a major triad, reflecting a
- In minor keys, ii is often diminished (ii°) in natural minor, though with modal or harmonic/melodic
- The progression provides a coloristic, predominant-like move rather than a strict diatonic function, and it frequently
- iibVII commonly acts as a brief pre-dominant area, creating movement toward tonic I or a subsequent
- It is a versatile device in pop and rock, contributing a darker, modal flavor without heavy resolution
- The bVII component is sometimes used in a backdoor cadence context, particularly when extended to seventh
- In C major: D minor (ii) followed by B-flat major (bVII) — Dm–Bb, often resolving to C
- In G major: A minor (ii) followed by F major (bVII) — Am–F, a common move before
- Expanded forms may use ii7–bVII7, reinforcing the predominant feel.
- Related ideas include modal mixture, borrowed chords, and backdoor cadences involving bVII in various extensions.