I–ii–V–I

The most straightforward jazz cadence, framing a ii–V–I within a complete tonic-to-tonic phrase. Its simplicity makes it an ideal vehicle for learning jazz improvisation and chord substitution techniques.

Pattern: I – ii – V – I   Example in C Major: C – Dm – G – C

Genre: jazz   Difficulty: beginner

Choose a Key

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

Song Examples