i–ii–V in D Minor

Pattern: i – ii – V Chords: Dm – Em – A

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
i	Dm (details)	minor	Tonic
ii	Em (details)	minor	Supertonic
V	A (details)	major	Dominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Dm (Tonic) → Em (Supertonic) → A (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

Dm Em A

More Progressions in D 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