ii–V–I

The ii–V–I is the most important chord progression in jazz harmony. It uses circle-of-fifths root motion to create strong forward momentum toward the tonic, typically voiced with seventh chords (iim7–V7–Imaj7). Mastering this progression is essential for improvising over jazz standards.

Pattern: ii – V – I   Example in C Major: Dm – G – C

Genre: jazz, bossa nova, r&b   Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

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

Song Examples

Related Progressions

I–IV–V–I I–V–vi–IV