What is the Jazz ii–V–I?

The foundation of functional jazz harmony.

What are the chords in the Jazz ii–V–I in the key of C?

In the key of C, the Jazz ii–V–I uses: Dm7 – G7 – Cmaj7. The roman numeral pattern is: iim7 – V7 – Imaj7.

What genre is the Jazz ii–V–I used in?

The Jazz ii–V–I is primarily used in Jazz music. It is also common in: jazz, ii-V-I, functional, cadence, bebop.

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Jazz

Chord Progression

Jazz ii–V–I

iim7 – V7 – Imaj7

The most purposeful and complete harmonic motion in jazz — tension building from ii through V and releasing beautifully on I. The foundation of jazz harmony.

Example in C

Chords in C major / C minor

Dm7 – G7 – Cmaj7

iim7 – V7 – Imaj7

Progression Steps

1iiminor7+2 st

2Vdominant7+7 st

3Imajor7+0 st

Sound Character

The most purposeful and complete harmonic motion in jazz — tension building from ii through V and releasing beautifully on I. The foundation of jazz harmony.

SophisticatedPurposefulResolvedElegantComplete

Theory

The ii–V–I is the most fundamental harmonic motion in jazz. The minor seventh (ii) chord pulls toward the dominant seventh (V), which pulls powerfully toward the tonic major seventh (I). This motion encompasses the three primary harmonic functions: subdominant (ii), dominant (V), and tonic (I). The tritone inside the V7 chord (between the third and seventh) is the engine of the resolution — it "wants" to collapse inward to the third and root of the I chord. Every jazz musician must know this progression in all 12 keys. The addition of seventh chords (instead of triads) gives the motion its jazz sophistication. In C major: Dm7 – G7 – Cmaj7.