I–vi–ii–V–iii–vi

The I–vi–ii–V–iii–vi progression extends the standard turnaround with an additional iii–vi tail, creating a longer harmonic cycle that delays resolution. The circle-of-fifths motion continues past the expected cadence point, keeping the harmony in perpetual motion. This pattern appears in jazz ballads and sophisticated pop.

Pattern: I – vi – ii – V – iii – vi   Example in C Major: C – Am – Dm – G – Em – Am

Genre: jazz, pop   Difficulty: advanced

Choose a Key

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

Song Examples