Ii-v-i

Definition

The ii-v-i progression is a common chord sequence in jazz that typically moves from the supertonic (ii) chord to the dominant (v) chord and resolves to the tonic (i) chord. This progression serves as a foundational element in jazz harmony, heavily influenced by European musical traditions, particularly in its structure and functional harmony. The ii-v-i sequence plays a crucial role in establishing tonality and enhancing improvisation within jazz compositions, allowing musicians to create tension and resolution in their performances.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ii-v-i progression is fundamental in jazz standards and is often used as a building block for improvisation.
2. This progression can be found in various styles of Western music, but its prevalence is particularly noted in jazz due to the emphasis on harmonic exploration.
3. The ii chord is typically a minor chord, the v chord is often a dominant seventh chord, and the i chord is usually a major or minor chord depending on the key.
4. Jazz musicians frequently employ substitutions or alterations within the ii-v-i progression to enhance harmonic richness and create new textures.
5. The ii-v-i progression demonstrates how European classical music principles have influenced jazz, particularly in its use of voice leading and cadences.

Review Questions

• How does the ii-v-i progression illustrate the connection between jazz harmony and European musical elements?
  • The ii-v-i progression showcases the influence of European functional harmony within jazz by adhering to structured chord functions that lead to resolutions. In classical music, similar progressions establish tonal centers and create tension and resolution. Jazz musicians adopted this concept but expanded it with improvisational elements, creating a unique blend of structured harmony with personal expression. Thus, the ii-v-i progression serves as a bridge between traditional Western harmony and the innovative spirit of jazz.
• Evaluate how the ii-v-i progression enhances improvisation in jazz performances.
  • The ii-v-i progression enhances improvisation by providing musicians with a familiar framework that allows for exploration while still maintaining harmonic coherence. By understanding this common progression, players can create tension on the dominant chord before resolving to the tonic, which adds emotional depth to their solos. Furthermore, musicians often employ various scales and techniques over each chord, encouraging creativity while navigating through the established structure. This dynamic interplay between predictability and improvisation makes the ii-v-i a vital tool for jazz artists.
• Analyze the significance of chord substitutions within the ii-v-i progression and their impact on jazz compositions.
  • Chord substitutions within the ii-v-i progression play a significant role in expanding harmonic possibilities in jazz compositions. Musicians often replace traditional chords with altered or extended versions to create unique sounds and textures, enhancing the emotional expressiveness of their music. This practice not only adds complexity but also challenges performers to adapt their improvisational approaches. The ability to creatively manipulate these foundational progressions reflects jazz's core value of innovation while remaining rooted in established harmonic practices derived from European musical traditions.

Related terms

Functional Harmony:

A musical system where chords serve specific functions within a key, typically leading to resolutions that create a sense of progression.

Tonic: The first note of a scale and the central chord in a key, around which other chords are built and resolved.

Chord Progression: A sequence of chords played in succession, forming the harmonic backbone of a piece of music.