Jazz chord progressions are an essential aspect of jazz music. Jazz musicians employ a wide range of chord progressions in their compositions to create various moods and express different emotions. Besides the famous ii-V-I progression, there are numerous other jazz chord progressions that are commonly used in jazz music. In this article, we will explore some of the most common jazz chord progressions and their characteristics.
- iii-vi-ii-V
The iii-vi-ii-V progression is a common jazz chord progression that is often used in ballads and swing tunes. This chord progression is commonly known as the “turnaround” progression as it often appears at the end of a tune to lead back to the beginning. The iii-vi-ii-V progression is derived from the major scale, and the chords used in this progression are the iii, vi, ii, and V chords.
- IV-V-I
The IV-V-I progression is another commonly used jazz chord progression. This progression is often used in blues and rock music as well. The IV-V-I progression is derived from the major scale, and the chords used in this progression are the IV, V, and I chords. This progression creates a sense of resolution and is often used at the end of a tune.
- I-vi-ii-V
The I-vi-ii-V progression is a popular jazz chord progression that is commonly used in jazz ballads. This progression is derived from the major scale, and the chords used in this progression are the I, vi, ii, and V chords. This progression creates a sense of tension and release and is often used in slow, romantic tunes.
- ii-V-I-vi
The ii-V-I-vi progression is another commonly used jazz chord progression. This progression is derived from the major scale, and the chords used in this progression are the ii, V, I, and vi chords. This progression is often used in jazz standards and creates a sense of resolution and closure.
- ii-V-I-IV
The ii-V-I-IV progression is a variation of the ii-V-I progression. This progression is often used in jazz standards and creates a sense of resolution and closure. The chords used in this progression are the ii, V, I, and IV chords.
In conclusion, jazz chord progressions are an essential aspect of jazz music, and there are numerous chord progressions that are commonly used in jazz music besides the famous ii-V-I progression. Jazz musicians employ these chord progressions to create various moods and express different emotions. By understanding these chord progressions and their characteristics, jazz musicians can improvise and create their own unique sound. The information presented in this article was sourced from various jazz theory books, including “The Jazz Piano Book” by Mark Levine and “The Jazz Theory Book” by Mark Levine.
