i–ii–V in A Minor

Pattern: i – ii – V Chords: Am – Bm – E

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
i	Am (details)	minor	Tonic
ii	Bm (details)	minor	Supertonic
V	E (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Am (Tonic) → Bm (Supertonic) → E (Dominant).

The i–ii–V progression adapts the jazz ii–V concept to a minor context, typically using a half-diminished ii chord. This creates strong circle-of-fifths motion toward the dominant, generating forward momentum. It is essential in minor-key jazz standards and sophisticated pop arrangements.

Song Examples

Autumn Leaves (A section), Joseph Kosma
Blue Bossa, Kenny Dorham

Chord Details

Am Bm E

More Progressions in A Minor

i–♭VII–♭VI–V i–iv–v vi–IV–I–V i–iv–i–V iv–iv–i–V i–iv–i i–iv–V vi–V–IV–III i–♭VII i–♭III–♭VII i–♭VII–IV i–♭VII–♭VI