I–ii–iii–IV–V

A stepwise ascending motion through the first five diatonic chords. The rising bass line creates a strong sense of building energy and forward momentum, often used in intros and verses.

Pattern: I – ii – iii – IV – V   Example in C Major: C – Dm – Em – F – G

Genre: jazz   Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

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

Song Examples