The ii–V–I, rhythm changes, Coltrane changes, backdoor progressions, and tritone substitutions.
Editorial content for this topic is in progress. The interactive player and pattern data are live below.
Hear the pattern
Interactive player — try the progression in any of the 18 keys, switch modes, and adjust tempo to find the feel you want.
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
ii7›Dm7
110 BPM
Formulaii7 – V7 – Imaj7
FunctionSee "About" below for harmonic role.
Soundits sophisticated, after-hours warmth
Common in"Autumn Leaves" · "All the Things You Are" — Jerome Kern · "Giant Steps" — John Coltrane
Famous"Autumn Leaves" · "All the Things You Are" — Jerome Kern · "Giant Steps" — John Coltrane
The midnight brass palette on this page is inspired by music-color synesthesia — jazz progressions maps to midnight brass, reflecting its sophisticated, after-hours warmth.
About Jazz Progressions
The ii–V–I, rhythm changes, Coltrane changes, backdoor progressions, and tritone substitutions.
Variations
Variation
Another way the pattern shows up in real music.
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
iiø7›Dø7
100 BPM
Variation
Another way the pattern shows up in real music.
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I›C
160 BPM
Variation
Another way the pattern shows up in real music.
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
iv7›Fm7
100 BPM
Famous songs & pieces
"Autumn Leaves"
"All the Things You Are" — Jerome Kern
"Giant Steps" — John Coltrane
Frequently asked questions
What is a jazz progressions progression?
The ii–V–I, rhythm changes, Coltrane changes, backdoor progressions, and tritone substitutions.
How do I use this on the piano?
Start with the player above in C. Once the pattern is in your ear, transpose to the keys you actually play in. The Roman numerals stay the same; only the chord names change.