Preparing to Play in All Keys®

Step #15:  Simple II V I Progression w/ 3 & 7

The Simple II V I uses mostly seventh chords.  There is a IIm7, V7 & IMa7.  The core these progressions is usually the 3 & &.   It should be learned in all keys, around the cycle of fourths and fifths, and up-and-down chromatically.  Learn it in all inversions.  Learn with only the left hand playing the chords.

The Third and Seventh

Minor 7 . . . minor 3rd / flatted 7th
Dominant 7 . . . major 3rd / flatted 7th
Major 7 . . . major 3rd / major 7

Step #16:  Simple Minor II V I Progression w/ 3 & 7

When using the Simple II V I Minor Progression, you flat the fifth on the minor II chord.  Then, you flat the ninth on the V7 chord.  Finally, you have three choices for the minor I chord:  Im7, Im(Ma7), Im6.  It should be learned in all keys, around the cycle of fourths and fifths, and up-and-down chromatically.  Learn it in all inversions.  Learn with only the left hand playing the chords.

You can also use the 3/7 core with the minor progression.

The Minor Third and Seventh

Minor 7 . . . minor 3rd / flatted 7th
Dominant 7 . . . major 3rd / flatted 7th
Major 7 . . . minor 3rd / minor 7, minor 3rd / major 7th, & minor 3rd / major 6

Step #17:  Jazz II V I Progression and Inversions

The Jazz II V I Progression uses the 9th interval.  This is the standard jazz progression which is learned by all jazz pianists.  It should be learned in all keys, around the cycle of fourths and fifths, and up-and-down chromatically.  Learn it in all inversions.  Learn with only the left hand playing the chords.

It is a IIm9 / V9(13) / IMa9 Progression.

Step #18:  Jazz Minor II V I Progression and Inversions

The Jazz Minor II V I Progression IIm9(b5), Vb9(b13), and Im9 (or I m9(Ma7).  This is the standard minor jazz progression which is learned by all jazz pianists.  It should be learned in all keys, around the cycle of fourths and fifths, and up-and-down chromatically.  Learn it in all inversions.  Learn with only the left hand playing the chords.

Step #19:  Simple Major/Minor Progression

This is a progression which uses a II, V, I, IV (in major) and the II, V I (in the relative minor).

The Simple Major/Minor Progression uses mainly seventh chords:  IIm7, V7, C6 (or major seventh), IVMa7.  Then the bass line goes down a flatted fifth (tritone) to the IIm7(b5), Vb9, and Im (in the relative minor).  It should be learned in all keys, around the cycle of fourths and fifths, and up-and-down chromatically.  Learn it in all inversions.  Learn with only the left hand playing the chords.

Each chord has it's appropriate scale.

Scales and Modes for the Simple Major/Minor Progression

IIm7 (Dorian 2-2)
V7 (Mixolydian 5-5)
I6 (Ionian - Major 1-1)
IVMa7 (Lydian 4-4)

In the Relative Minor (bass line down a flatted 5 (tritone)):
IIm7(b5) (Harmonic Minor 2-2)
V7(b9) (Harmonic Minor 5-5)
Im (Harmonic Minor 1-1)

Improvise using the Simple Major/Minor Progression.

Step #20:  Jazz Major/Minor Progression

This is a progression which uses a II, V, I, IV (in major) and the II, V I (in the relative minor).

The Jazz Major/Minor Progression uses mainly ninth chords:  IIm9, V9(13), CMa9, IVMa9.  Then the bass line goes down a flatted fifth (tritone) to the IIm9(b5), Vb9(b13), and Im9 (in the relative minor).  It should be learned in all keys, around the cycle of fourths and fifths, and up-and-down chromatically.  Learn it in all inversions.  Learn with only the left hand playing the chords.

Each chord has it's appropriate scale.

Scales and Modes for the Jazz Major/Minor Progression

IIm9 (Dorian 2-2)
V9(13) (Mixolydian 5-5)
IMa9 (Ionian - Major 1-1)
IVMa9 (Lydian 4-4)

In the Relative Minor (bass line down a flatted 5 (tritone)):
IIm9(11) (Melodic Minor Dorian #2  (2-2)
V7(b9) (Whole/Half Diminished (off the b9th)
Im (Dorian 2-2)

Improvise using the Jazz Major/Minor Progression.