Ab major · ii7 – V7 – Imaj7

ii-V-I Chord Progression in Ab major

In Ab major the ii-V-I progression is Bbm7 – Eb7 – Abmaj7.

The cornerstone of jazz harmony: a smooth chain of chords each resolving to the next. Jazz standards such as Autumn Leaves are full of ii-V-I movements.

The chords

Numeral	Chord	Easiest shape
ii	Bbm7	`686666`
V	Eb7	`xx1023`
I	Abmaj7	`4310xx`

How to practise

Play it slowly and listen to how each chord resolves into the next. Try finding the shortest finger movement between the three shapes.

Play one chord per bar at 60 BPM with a simple down-strum on each beat.
Raise the tempo by 5 BPM once you can play eight rounds without a mistake.
Change the strumming pattern: down, down-up, up-down-up.

Key facts about Ab major

Ab major contains the notes Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, G. See the full Ab Major scale with fretboard diagrams, and use it to solo over the progression.

ii-V-I in other keys

C major Db major D major Eb major E major F major F# major G major A major Bb major B major

Other progressions in Ab major

I-V-vi-IV I-IV-V 12-Bar Blues I-vi-IV-V (50s progression)vi-IV-I-V Canon Progression

FAQ

What are the chords of ii-V-I in Ab major?

Bbm7 – Eb7 – Abmaj7.

What notes are in Ab major?

Ab major contains Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, G.

Which scale can I solo with over ii-V-I in Ab major?

The Ab major scale fits, and the major pentatonic scale from Ab is the easiest choice.

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