The two bars that cycle you home · I – VI7 – ii – V7 · I – ♭III°7 – ii – V7
Blues, jazz, and rhythm-changes turnarounds — the small gestures that make the form loop.
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
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G
A
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C
D
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I›C
100 BPM
FormulaI – VI7 – ii – V7 · I – ♭III°7 – ii – V7
FunctionSee "About" below for harmonic role.
Soundits pivot-and-return momentum
Common inEvery 12-bar blues final two bars · "I Got Rhythm" A-section closes · Jazz standards of the 1940s
FamousEvery 12-bar blues final two bars · "I Got Rhythm" A-section closes · Jazz standards of the 1940s
The amber and honey palette on this page is inspired by music-color synesthesia — turnarounds maps to amber and honey, reflecting its pivot-and-return momentum.
About Turnarounds
Blues, jazz, and rhythm-changes turnarounds — the small gestures that make the form loop.
Variations
Variation
Another way the pattern shows up in real music.
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
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Imaj7›Cmaj7
130 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
Famous songs & pieces
Every 12-bar blues final two bars
"I Got Rhythm" A-section closes
Jazz standards of the 1940s
Frequently asked questions
What is a turnarounds progression?
Blues, jazz, and rhythm-changes turnarounds — the small gestures that make the form loop.
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.