i–ii–V

The i–ii–V progression adapts the jazz ii–V concept to a minor context, typically using a half-diminished ii chord. This creates strong circle-of-fifths motion toward the dominant, generating forward momentum. It is essential in minor-key jazz standards and sophisticated pop arrangements.

Pattern: i – ii – V   Example in A Minor: Am – Bm – E

Genre: jazz, pop   Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

A Minor Am – Bm – E E Minor Em – F♯m – B B Minor Bm – C♯m – F♯ F♯ Minor F♯m – G♯m – C♯ C♯ Minor C♯m – D♯m – G♯ G♯ Minor G♯m – A♯m – D♯ D Minor Dm – Em – A G Minor Gm – Am – D C Minor Cm – Dm – G F Minor Fm – Gm – C B♭ Minor Bbm – Cm – F E♭ Minor Ebm – Fm – B♭

Song Examples