How to Write Jazz Chord Progressions — ii-V-I and Beyond

Master jazz harmony — the ii-V-I progression, chord extensions, altered dominants, tritone substitution, and how to create authentic jazz chord changes.

The ii-V-I Is Jazz's DNA

If pop music is built on I-V-vi-IV, jazz is built on the ii-V-I progression. In C major: Dm7 (ii) → G7 (V) → Cmaj7 (I). This simple three-chord pattern is the foundation of thousands of jazz standards.

Why ii-V-I Works

ii moves down a fifth to V, which moves down a fifth to I — the strongest harmonic motion in music. Each chord contains the essential notes that resolve to the next. The 7th of ii (C) becomes the 3rd of V (B). The 7th of V (F) becomes the 3rd of I (E). Voice leading at its finest.

Tritone Substitution

Replace V7 with a dominant chord a tritone away. Instead of G7 (G-B-D-F), use Db7 (Db-F-Ab-Cb). Both chords share the same tritone (B-F / F-Cb), which is what gives dominant chords their tension. Tritone substitution creates chromatic bass movement — Dm7-Db7-Cmaj7 — the classic jazz walking bass sound.

Chord Extensions

Jazz chords go beyond seventh chords. 9th chords: add the 9th (2nd an octave up). 11th chords: add the 11th (4th up). 13th chords: add the 13th (6th up). These extensions add color and sophistication. Altered extensions (b9, #9, b5, #5) create even more tension on dominant chords.

Frequently Asked Questions