II/V/I Progressions (Copyright Jim Conquer )
[Link] Dec. 2002
Firstly, I would like to begin my section on the II/V/I progression by
explaining what this actually means. Then, I will carry on to illustrate the
sequence in both Major and Minor keys. In this way, it is hoped that the
reader will be able to build an understanding of chords and their
relationships to each other, and in turn, this knowledge can be carried on to
the choosing of scales for solo building later on.
Firstly, scales are the building blocks of all music. (ie) if we play all of the
natural notes on our guitar, (or any instrument) beginning on a C note and
proceed up through the notes until C reappears, (C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C) we
term this the C Major Scale. We can then number these notes thus I, II, III,
IV, V, VI, VII. The reason for the eighth note number being omitted is that
it is also the first note (already numbered. C note is number one and eight)
From this numbering system, chords, which are built on each of these scale
notes (or degrees), will be numbered as such. Therefore, in the C Major
scale, the (II) will be D minor 7 chord, the (V) will be G7 chord and the (I)
will be C major.
The chord qualities, ie minor 7 , 7 , and major, will be covered at a later
date.
II V I
D minor7 G7 C major
(o = open string to be played) (x = do not play this string)
( = place finger on the corresponding string to play)
In the Minor Key the chord name, (i.e. . D, G and C) remain the same, as
they are still the II, V, and I of the scale. The difference is in the quality of
chord produced.
The II becomes D Minor 7b5
The V becomes G 7 b9
The I becomes C Minor
C Minor Scale
C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, B, C are the notes within a C Harmonic Minor Scale.
(All scales will be covered and explained in lessons to follow.)
Minor II,V,I cont.
II V I
D Minor7 b5 G7 b9 C Minor
Try the following chord charts using the shapes indicated for four
counts each chord.
Major Scale II, V, I
II V I I
Dmin.7 / / / G7 / / / Cmaj / / / Cmaj / / /
Minor Scale II, V, I
II V I I
Dmin.7b5 / / / G7b9 / / / Cmin / / / Cmin / / /
Assignment: Find a tune book which indicates the chord names
above the melody line and try to identify some II, V, I progressions.
This may be more difficult in some Keys (Scales ie; Ab Major, E
Major etc.) but as each lesson is provided, these difficulties will
gradually ease until all keys are understood. I will place a blank chord
sheet on the site for you all to fill in new chord shapes as they appear
in our lessons.
The Jazz Standard tune Autumn Leaves is a very good example of the
use of the II, V, I progression. The tune contains both the Major and
Relative Minor key II, V, I progressions and this will be explained in
greater depth as our web site expands.
All the very best…..
