Mastering The Harmonic Language of Jazz Chords: The II-V-I Progression – Intro
If you hear anyone say that the II-V-I chord progression makes up the entire repertoire of jazz tunes, they’re not kidding! II-V-I is the most widely used chord progression in the vast repertoire of jazz standards. Because of the importance of the II-V-I progression, jazz musicians beginners to advanced, often use it while practicing to improve their jazz melodic and harmonic skills
What is the II-V-I progression?
It is a sequence of three chords out of seven available for every key. It starts on the 2nd degree (II) followed by the 5th degree (V) and ending on the 1st degree (I) of major and minor scales. It’s important to know that the natural chord qualities of the major scale degrees are always the same.
I – is a major seventh
II – is a minor seventh
III – is a minor seventh
IV – is a major seventh
V – is a dominant seventh
VI – is a minor seventh
VII – is a half-diminished seventh
To learn the II-V-I progression well, one should memorize that:
II- is a minor seventh
V- is a dominant seventh
I – is a major seventh.
As an example in the key of C,
II – is D minor seven (Dm7)
V – is G dominant seven (G7) (often called “seven”)
I – is C major seven (CMaj7)
Looking at the II V I progression: Dm7, G7, CMj7 in the key of C, you can see how the root notes of the sequence, move in the circle of fifths in a counterclockwise motion. Following the II-V-I in the key of C major on the circle bellow, you can place the II on any key in the circle and progress counterclockwise to the I of the new key.
When practicing the II-V-I progression, the circle of fifths should be treated, like a map, that helps you navigate your way from one key to the next, as you learn to play the II-V-I progressions in all twelve keys. You’ll find it to be a great tool to use, while learning the chord voicings in Part 1 – 4 of this article series.
Additionally, if you have the iReal Pro app, you can see the chord progressions in all 12 keys under the title: “II-V-I 2 Bar Matrix Circle Of 5ths”, and use the play-along feature for practicing. Use the lead sheet bellow in conjunction with the circle of fifths, to memorize the II-V-I progression in all 12 Major keys.
Here’s an example of how to play the II-V-I progression with seventh chords in the Left Hand using root position and second inversion for a smooth voice leading between the chords.
The video demonstrates how to play this progression in two keys, C Major and F Major. It also suggests tunes to quote in the RH in combination with the LH voicing. It makes the learning process of the II-V-I progression more contextual and, therefore, easier to recognize.