The 2-5-1 chord progression
The 2-5-1 chord progression is a staple in many genres of music, especially jazz. It’s a simple yet effective way to create harmonic tension and resolution, and it’s used in countless jazz standards and popular songs.
The progression gets its name from the chords involved: the ii chord, the V chord, and the I chord. In the key of C major, for example, the 2-5-1 progression would be Dm7-G7-Cmaj7.
The ii chord is a minor seventh chord built on the second scale degree, the V chord is a dominant seventh chord built on the fifth scale degree, and the I chord is a major seventh chord built on the first scale degree. In jazz, the V chord is often altered with a flat ninth or sharp eleventh to add more tension.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when playing the 2-5-1 progression is the voice leading. Voice leading refers to the way that each note in the chord progression moves to the next. In jazz, smooth voice leading is essential for creating a seamless and pleasing sound.
To achieve good voice leading, try to make small adjustments to the chord shapes as you move from one chord to the next. This might involve playing a different inversion of the chord or adding or removing a note. The goal is to create a smooth and logical connection between each chord in the progression.
Another important aspect of the 2-5-1 progression is the use of dominant chords. The V chord in the progression is a dominant seventh chord, which creates tension that resolves to the I chord. To add even more tension, try using altered dominant chords, such as a G7#5 or a G7b9, in place of the standard G7 chord.
Overall, mastering the 2-5-1 chord progression is a crucial skill for any musician interested in jazz or other harmony-rich genres of music. By paying attention to voice leading and experimenting with altered dominant chords, you can create rich and satisfying harmonic progressions that will captivate your listeners.