Welcome to episode 77 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about an important chord progression, the Major 1-6-2-5. This is a chord progression that shows up all of the time in jazz repertoire and you will want to learn how to navigate it. You’ll learn a helpful exercise and a few licks. Listen in!
Listen to episode 77
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Being familiar and knowing your I-vi-ii-V chord progressions is really important if you want to become a successful jazz improviser. This chord progression comes up time and time again in jazz repertoire.
A great example is rhythm changes tunes, such as Anthropology and Oleo. These songs have A sections that are essentially entirely I-vi-ii-V chord progressions.
In this episode, most of the examples are in Concert Bb.
What’s a I-vi-ii-V in Bb?
Bbmaj7-G7-Cmin7-F7
Note: Often times, jazz musicians will change the minor 6 chord into a dominant 7 chord.
Arpeggio exercises
Starting on the root of the I chord:
Starting on the 5th of the I chord:
Licks as heard in this episode
Licks as heard in this episodeLong I-VI-ii-V Lick
Short I-VI-ii-V Lick
The best thing that you can do to further practice this chord progression is to learn jazz language it. Listen to some of your favorite jazz artists playing over this progression and learn some lines. The more you learn the more discoveries you will make.
Awesome podcast! Everyone that I've listened to thus far has been very insightful. Thank you kindly
Hey Daryl! Glad to be of help and thanks for listening!
Brent ''' Great Lesson, provided concise understanding. Keep them coming.
Will do! Thanks for listening!
Final chord (5 chord) should read F7, not G7.
Hi Darryl, thanks for catching the typo! Fixed. I appreciate you taking the time to notify me.
There's a correction to make on this page- the final chord of the arpeggio exercises should be F7 not G7. Thanks for another great lesson!
Hi Michael, my pleasure! Thanks for pointing out the typo, I really appreciate it. Fixed.