ii–V–I in D Major

Pattern: ii – V – I Chords: Em – A – D

Chord Breakdown

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

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Em (Supertonic) → A (Dominant) → D (Tonic).

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.

Song Examples

Autumn Leaves — Joseph Kosma
Fly Me to the Moon — Frank Sinatra
Satin Doll — Duke Ellington

Chord Details

Em A D

More Progressions in D Major

I–IV–V–I I–V–vi–IV I–vi–IV–V I–IV–V I–♭VII–IV vi–IV–I–V I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V I–IV I–V IV–V IV–I V–I

Related Progressions

I–IV–V–I I–V–vi–IV