Jazz Turnaround

Example in C

Progression Steps

Theory

The iii–VI–ii–V turnaround is the most common ending loop in jazz standards. It moves through four chords in a descending circle-of-fifths motion, each chord being the V of the next (secondary dominants). iii7 is the V of VI, VI7 is the V of ii, ii7 is the V of V, and V7 resolves back to I. This creates a chain of dominant motion, each chord creating tension that is released by the next, building energy throughout the loop. The turnaround is played at the end of the last phrase (bars 11–12 or 15–16 of a 12 or 16-bar form) to lead back to bar 1. In C major: Em7 – A7 – Dm7 – G7.

Musical Meaning

The I–VI–ii–V turnaround is jazz's elegant way of cycling back to the top of a form. It moves through the cycle of fifths in two-chord pairs, creating circular tension and release that carries the music forward naturally. The VI is often played as a dominant seventh for extra pull.

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Practical Uses

• Standard jazz ending phrase — heard in virtually every jazz standard
• Practice chord substitutions — each chord can be altered or substituted
• Circle-of-fifths study — the turnaround traverses four fifths
• Transitions between sections — smooth bridge back to the top of any form

Genre & Tags

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