All progressions
INTERMEDIO_BAJO

ii-V-I (Jazz Turnaround)

Jazz isn't mysterious. It has a secret that repeats in EVERY song

ii-V-I is the atom of jazz. Autumn Leaves, Fly Me to the Moon, Misty… all use this tension-and-resolution cadence. Learn this and you understand jazz.

ii7V7Imaj7
▶ Watch walkthrough Train interactively →

Complete guide

Level: Intermediate Styles: Jazz Mood: Resolved, Sophisticated

🎵 What Is This Progression?

If Pop lives on I-IV-V, Jazz breathes through ii-V-I. It is a circular motion by fourths that creates a strong but smooth "coming home" feeling.

The logic:

  1. ii (minor subdominant): Prepares the motion.
  2. V (dominant): Creates the necessary tension.
  3. I (tonic): Resolves the tension.

🎹 How to Play It in C Major

  • ii7 (Dm7): D - F - A - C
  • V7 (G7): G - B - D - F
  • Imaj7 (Cmaj7): C - E - G - B

💡 Practice Tips

  1. Shell Voicings (LH): Play only the root (1) and seventh (7) of each chord with the left hand.
    • Dm7: D + C
    • G7: G + F
    • Cmaj7: C + B
  2. Swing: Try playing the chords on the "and" of beats 2 and 4 to create a swing feel.