Imaj7–ii–V

The Imaj7–ii–V progression extends the tonic major seventh chord into the classic ii–V turnaround, creating forward momentum that cycles back to the tonic. Starting on the lush Imaj7 establishes the key with sophistication before the ii–V motion generates the harmonic pull that makes jazz harmony so compelling. This is the skeleton of countless jazz standards.

Pattern: Imaj7 – ii – V   Example in C Major: Cmaj7 – Dm – G

Genre: jazz, pop, r-and-b   Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

C Major Cmaj7 – Dm – G G Major Gmaj7 – Am – D D Major Dmaj7 – Em – A A Major Amaj7 – Bm – E E Major Emaj7 – F♯m – B B Major Bmaj7 – C♯m – F♯ F♯ Major F♯maj7 – G♯m – C♯ F Major Fmaj7 – Gm – C B♭ Major Bbmaj7 – Cm – F E♭ Major Ebmaj7 – Fm – B♭ A♭ Major Abmaj7 – Bbm – E♭ D♭ Major Dbmaj7 – Ebm – A♭

Song Examples

Related Progressions

ii–V–I Imaj7–IVmaj7 Imaj7–vi7–ii7–V7