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INTERMEDIO_BAJO

I-vi-ii-V (Rhythm Changes)

Jazz has a cycle that never stops. Gershwin wrote it in 1930 and it's still used today

I-vi-ii-V is 'Rhythm Changes' — the cycle of fourths that defines jazz since Bebop. I Got Rhythm, Oleo, Blue Moon. Learn this cycle and improvise over any standard.

Imaj7vi7ii7V7
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Complete guide

Level: Intermediate Styles: Jazz

🎵 Context

This progression is the heart of "Rhythm Changes", a harmonic structure based on George Gershwin's I Got Rhythm. Along with the 12-bar blues, it is the most common structure used in jazz jam sessions.

🎹 In C Major

  • Cmaj7 (I)
  • Am7 (vi)
  • Dm7 (ii)
  • G7 (V)

🧠 Voice Leading

The secret to sounding like Jazz is to connect the notes smoothly (guide tones):

  • Cmaj7: C-B-E-G
  • Am7: A-C-E-G (B drops to A, or stays common)
  • Dm7: D-C-F-A
  • G7: G-B-F-A

🎯 Exercise: Walking Bass

With the left hand, try to "walk" between the roots using chromatic passing tones.