i7–IV7 chord progression
Dorian vamp — i7–IV7 · also called the i–IV vamp, modal vamp
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The i7–IV7 progression rocks between a minor seventh tonic and a major IV, the two chords that define the Dorian mode, so it can loop for minutes as a bed for soloing — the sound of modal jazz, Latin rock and funk.
It moves from the tonic (i7) to the subdominant (IV7) and then repeats. Each chord lasts 4 beats, so one pass of the 2 chords is 2 bars of 4/4.
In A minor the chords are Am7 – D7; in E minor they are Em7 – A7. Press play above to hear the progression, then pick the key that fits your voice or your song and set the tempo you want to practise at.
i7–IV7 in every key
The numerals stay the same; only the chords change. Find your key below, or pick it in the player above to hear it.
| Key | Chords |
|---|---|
| C minor | Cm7 – F7 |
| C♯ minor | C♯m7 – F♯7 |
| D minor | Dm7 – G7 |
| D♯ minor | D♯m7 – G♯7 |
| E minor | Em7 – A7 |
| F minor | Fm7 – B♭7 |
| F♯ minor | F♯m7 – B7 |
| G minor | Gm7 – C7 |
| G♯ minor | G♯m7 – C♯7 |
| A minor | Am7 – D7 |
| B♭ minor | B♭m7 – E♭7 |
| B minor | Bm7 – E7 |
Songs that use it
Well-known songs built on this progression, at least in the section each is known for:
- Oye Como Va — Santana
- Evil Ways — Santana
Frequently asked questions
- What chords are in the i7–IV7 progression in A minor?
- In A minor the i7–IV7 progression is Am7 – D7. The same numerals give Em7 – A7 in E minor; the table above lists all twelve keys.
- What is the i7–IV7 progression called?
- i7–IV7 is known as the Dorian vamp, and also as the i–IV vamp and modal vamp. The i7–IV7 progression rocks between a minor seventh tonic and a major IV, the two chords that define the Dorian mode, so it can loop for minutes as a bed for soloing — the sound of modal jazz, Latin rock and funk.
- How long is the i7–IV7 progression?
- Each chord lasts 4 beats, so one pass of the 2 chords is 2 bars of 4/4. Loop it to keep the harmony going under a verse or a solo.
- What songs use the i7–IV7 progression?
- "Oye Como Va" by Santana and "Evil Ways" by Santana are built on it, at least in the section each is known for.