ii–V–I (jazz) (ii7 – V7 – Imaj7 – Imaj7)

The most important move in jazz: predominant (ii7), dominant (V7), tonic (Imaj7). Every jazz standard uses it again and again.

In C major

ii7Dm7 V7G7 Imaj7Cmaj7 Imaj7Cmaj7

Open in the generator (rhythm, transpose, MIDI) →

In all 12 keys

Mode: major. The capo column shows the fret where most chords become easy open shapes.

Key	Chords	Capo
C major	Dm7 – G7 – Cmaj7 – Cmaj7	–
D♭ major	E♭m7 – A♭7 – D♭maj7 – D♭maj7	1.
D major	Em7 – A7 – Dmaj7 – Dmaj7	–
E♭ major	Fm7 – B♭7 – E♭maj7 – E♭maj7	1.
E major	F♯m7 – B7 – Emaj7 – Emaj7	2.
F major	Gm7 – C7 – Fmaj7 – Fmaj7	3.
F♯ major	G♯m7 – C♯7 – F♯maj7 – F♯maj7	4.
G major	Am7 – D7 – Gmaj7 – Gmaj7	–
A♭ major	B♭m7 – E♭7 – A♭maj7 – A♭maj7	1.
A major	Bm7 – E7 – Amaj7 – Amaj7	2.
B♭ major	Cm7 – F7 – B♭maj7 – B♭maj7	3.
B major	C♯m7 – F♯7 – Bmaj7 – Bmaj7	4.

Similar progressions

Frequently asked questions

What are the chords of the ii–V–I (jazz) in C major?

Dm7 – G7 – Cmaj7 – Cmaj7 (ii7 – V7 – Imaj7 – Imaj7).

Which key is easiest on guitar?

With only open chords and no capo: C major, D major, G major. For other keys, the capo column in the table shows where to clamp it.

What do the Roman numerals mean?

The degrees of the key: I = tonic (1st degree), IV = 4th, V = 5th. Upper case is a major chord, lower case minor; ° means diminished, ø half-diminished and ♭ a lowered degree. That's what lets you move the progression to any key.

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