IVmaj7–iii7–ii7–V7

A stepwise descent from the subdominant through iii and ii before resolving via the dominant seventh. The smooth chromatic inner-voice motion makes this a favorite for ballads and bossa nova arrangements.

Pattern: IVmaj7 – iii7 – ii7 – V7   Example in C Major: Fmaj7 – Em7 – Dm7 – G7

Genre: jazz   Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

C Major Fmaj7 – Em7 – Dm7 – G7 G Major Cmaj7 – Bm7 – Am7 – D7 D Major Gmaj7 – F♯m7 – Em7 – A7 A Major Dmaj7 – C♯m7 – Bm7 – E7 E Major Amaj7 – G♯m7 – F♯m7 – B7 B Major Emaj7 – D♯m7 – C♯m7 – F♯7 F♯ Major Bmaj7 – A♯m7 – G♯m7 – C♯7 F Major Bbmaj7 – Am7 – Gm7 – C7 B♭ Major Ebmaj7 – Dm7 – Cm7 – F7 E♭ Major Abmaj7 – Gm7 – Fm7 – B♭7 A♭ Major Dbmaj7 – Cm7 – Bbm7 – E♭7 D♭ Major Gbmaj7 – Fm7 – Ebm7 – A♭7

Song Examples