🎷Learn the ii-V-I Jazz Progression
Turn ii-V-I from a chord-symbol mystery into a sound your hands can find in any key. Each drop adds one piece — voice leading, tritone subs, real-standard cycles — until you can improvise an 8-bar solo that actually resolves home.
Phase 1Decode the Cadence
Decode what ii, V, and I actually do
Three chords do almost all the work in jazz
6 minThree chords do almost all the work in jazz
Smooth voice leading is what makes jazz sound like jazz
7 minSmooth voice leading is what makes jazz sound like jazz
Minor ii-V-i has a darker engine than its major cousin
7 minMinor ii-V-i has a darker engine than its major cousin
Train your ear before your fingers — name the cadence by sound
8 minTrain your ear before your fingers — name the cadence by sound
Phase 2Twelve Keys, Twelve Days
Drill the cadence through all twelve keys
Start with the easiest keys — then ride the circle clockwise
6 minStart with the easiest keys — then ride the circle clockwise
Three more flat keys — your hand traces patterns now, not chases notes
7 minThree more flat keys — your hand traces patterns now, not chases notes
Finish the cycle — six more keys to close the circle
8 minFinish the cycle — six more keys to close the circle
Replace any V7 with a chord a tritone away — and watch the bass walk
8 minReplace any V7 with a chord a tritone away — and watch the bass walk
Drill ii-V-I against a metronome — feel beats two and four
7 minDrill ii-V-I against a metronome — feel beats two and four
Phase 3ii-V-I Inside Real Standards
Play ii-V-I cycles inside real jazz standards
Map a standard's chord chart — every box is a hidden ii-V-I
8 minMap a standard's chord chart — every box is a hidden ii-V-I
Watch a tune cycle through the circle of fifths in real time
7 minWatch a tune cycle through the circle of fifths in real time
Comp behind a recording — be the rhythm section, not the soloist
7 minComp behind a recording — be the rhythm section, not the soloist
Spot the same ii-V-I cycle inside three different standards
8 minSpot the same ii-V-I cycle inside three different standards
Phase 4Improvise an 8-Bar Solo
Improvise an 8-bar solo that lands home
Improvise an 8-bar solo over a looped ii-V-I in your comfort key
25 minImprovise an 8-bar solo over a looped ii-V-I in your comfort key
Frequently asked questions
- What is the ii-V-I progression in jazz?
- This is covered in the “Learn the ii-V-I Jazz Progression” learning path. Start with daily 5-minute micro-lessons that build from fundamentals to hands-on application.
- Why does ii-V-I sound so satisfying to the ear?
- This is covered in the “Learn the ii-V-I Jazz Progression” learning path. Start with daily 5-minute micro-lessons that build from fundamentals to hands-on application.
- How do you practice ii-V-I in all 12 keys?
- This is covered in the “Learn the ii-V-I Jazz Progression” learning path. Start with daily 5-minute micro-lessons that build from fundamentals to hands-on application.
- What is a tritone substitution in a ii-V-I?
- This is covered in the “Learn the ii-V-I Jazz Progression” learning path. Start with daily 5-minute micro-lessons that build from fundamentals to hands-on application.
- What jazz standards are built on ii-V-I cycles?
- This is covered in the “Learn the ii-V-I Jazz Progression” learning path. Start with daily 5-minute micro-lessons that build from fundamentals to hands-on application.
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