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ii–V–I chord progression

The two-five-one · 2-5-1

Smooth and settled. Each root falls a fifth to the next, so the ear hears V coming and I arriving. With sevenths on every chord it is the sound of jazz.

C major · one chord a bar
  1. Dm
  2. G
  3. C
  4. C
Use in a beat
Lo-fi beat · 80 BPM · drums, bass and keys

ii–V–I in every key

One chord a bar, in all 12 keys. Use in a beat opens it in that key.

KeyChordsMake a beat
C majorDm – G – CUse
D♭ majorE♭m – A♭ – D♭Use
D majorEm – A – DUse
E♭ majorFm – B♭ – E♭Use
E majorF♯m – B – EUse
F majorGm – C – FUse
F♯ majorG♯m – C♯ – F♯Use
G majorAm – D – GUse
A♭ majorB♭m – E♭ – A♭Use
A majorBm – E – AUse
B♭ majorCm – F – B♭Use
B majorC♯m – F♯ – BUse
Chord by chord, in C major
  • iiDm: the minor chord on the 2nd note of the scale
  • VG: the major chord on the 5th note of the scale
  • IC: the major chord on the 1st note of the scale
Where it is used

Jazz, lo-fi, R&B, neo-soul and gospel.

In the editor, these styles start on it: Lo-fi, Boom bap, R&B, Slow jam R&B, West coast, Neo soul, Gospel, Disco, Jazz, Bossa nova, City pop, Jazz waltz.

More progressions

Or let the chord progression generator play it in another key and style.

Frequently asked questions

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

Dm, G and C. In G major it is Am, D and G. The table above has all 12 keys.

How do I play ii–V–I in another key?

Take the key’s major scale and build a chord on its 2nd, 5th and 1st notes, in the order of the numerals. Capital numerals are major chords and small ones minor.

What is the ii–V–I used for?

Jazz, lo-fi, R&B, neo-soul and gospel. In the editor, Lo-fi, Boom bap, R&B, Slow jam R&B, West coast, Neo soul, Gospel and Disco start on it.

Can I make a beat with it?

Yes, free. Use in a beat opens the editor with a lo-fi beat on these chords at 80 BPM, every part its own lane to change or delete. Add a melody, record over it or ask for new drums. No account is needed to start; a free account saves your project.

Build a song on these chords

Use in a beat opens the free editor with drums, bass and the chords. Add a melody, record over it or change any part, one at a time.

Use ii–V–I in a beatAll chord progressions

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