ii–V–I

JazzValve

The most important progression in jazz

ii–V–I in C

ii · D MINOR 7

D – F – A – C
D
1 + 3
F
1
A
1 + 2
C
OPEN
Practice

V · G DOMINANT 7

G – B – D – F
G
OPEN
B
2
D
1
F
1
Practice

I · C MAJOR 7

C – E – G – B
C
OPEN
E
1 + 2
G
OPEN
B
2
Practice

The ii–V–I is the engine of jazz harmony. If you can hear and arpeggiate these three chords in all twelve keys, you can find your way through most standards.

Written for B♭ trumpet · concert key is a whole step below