C major · ii7 – V7 – Imaj7

ii-V-I Chord Progression in C major

In C major the ii-V-I progression is Dm7 – G7 – Cmaj7.

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	Dm7	`xx0211`
V	G7	`320001`
I	Cmaj7	`x32000`

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 C major

C major contains the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, B. See the full C Major scale with fretboard diagrams, and use it to solo over the progression.

ii-V-I in other keys

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

Other progressions in C 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 C major?

Dm7 – G7 – Cmaj7.

What notes are in C major?

C major contains C, D, E, F, G, A, B.

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

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

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