ii–V–I (Jazz Cadence)

ii – V – Iii–V–I (Jazz Cadence)

The backbone of jazz harmony. Smooth voice-leading, strong tonal pull, opens up extended chord vocabulary (m7, 9, 13).

Other progressionsI–V–vi–IV ("Axis of Awesome")vi–IV–I–V (Sensitive Female Progression)I–IV–V (Three-Chord Classic)ii–V–I (Jazz Cadence)12-Bar BluesI–vi–IV–V (Doo-Wop / "50s Progression")Canon Progression (Pachelbel)Andalusian CadenceRoyal Road Progression (IV–V–iii–vi)i–III–IV–VI ("House of the Rising Sun")I–vi–ii–V (Jazz "Rhythm Changes" Turnaround)I–IV–I–V (Country Two-Step)
C
ESCAPE
Rupert Holmes
Medium C · ♩=70· 7 chords
Play
B
HONEY
Bobby Goldsboro
Easy Bb · ♩=100· 7 chords
Play
G
PHOTOGRAPHS AND MEMORIES
Jim Croce
Medium G · ♩=110· 7 chords
Play

Voicings in common keys

C major:Dm7G7Cmaj7
G major:Am7D7Gmaj7
F major:Gm7C7Fmaj7

When you hear this

Used in nearly every jazz standard. Learn this in all 12 keys before tackling jazz improvisation.

Songs above are from our catalog whose chord set contains all chords from one of the key realizations. Sorted by popularity.