Introduction
Chord progressions are the heartbeat of jazz. Learning them is not just about memorizing harmonic sequences, but about understanding the musical language that allows you to improvise, comp, and create arrangements. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 most essential jazz progressions every guitarist should know.
II–V–I in Major Keys
- The most common and defining progression in jazz.
- Example in C major: Dm7 – G7 – Cmaj7.
- How to play it on guitar (basic voicings and positions).
- Famous tunes: Autumn Leaves, All the Things You Are.
II–V–I in Minor Keys
- The minor variation of the basic progression.
- Example in A minor: Bm7♭5 – E7 – Am7.
- Differences in color and handling dominant chord tension.
Turnaround (I–VI–II–V)
- One of the most used progressions to start or end a tune.
- Example in C: Cmaj7 – A7 – Dm7 – G7.
- Variations with tritone substitutions or diminished passing chords.
Rhythm Changes
- Based on Gershwin’s I Got Rhythm.
- Typical scheme in Bb major.
- Central to swing and bebop repertoire.
- Why every jazz guitarist must master it.
Modal Interchange and Borrowed Chords
- Using chords borrowed from parallel keys.
- Example: Cmaj7 – Fm7 – G7 – Cmaj7.
- Adds a modern, modal or fusion-like color.
Coltrane Changes (Giant Steps)
- Cycle of major thirds that challenges ear and technique.
- Simplified breakdown for guitarists.
- Why studying them develops harmonic awareness.
Jazz Blues (12-Bar Blues)
- From traditional blues to jazz blues with substitutions.
- Common keys: F and Bb.
- How jazz blues differs from rock or traditional blues.
Minor Blues
- The minor variant of the blues form.
- Example in C minor: Cm7 – Fm7 – Cm7 – Ab7 – G7.
- Famous example: Coltrane’s Mr. P.C.
Progressions with Diminished Chords
- The role of diminished chords as chromatic passing chords.
- Example: Cmaj7 – C#dim7 – Dm7 – G7.
- How Joe Pass and others used them to connect lines.
Modal Progressions (So What, Impressions)
- Based on one or two repeating chords.
- Example: Dm7 – Ebm7.
- Focus on rhythm, dynamics, and modal exploration rather than cadences.
Conclusion
These 10 progressions form the foundation of jazz guitar vocabulary. Practicing them across keys, connecting the voicings on the fretboard, and listening to how masters like Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery, and Pat Metheny used them will help you improve comping, improvisation, and overall fluency.
👉 Which jazz progression do you enjoy playing the most? Share it in the comments!
📌 FAQ – Jazz Guitar Chord Progressions
Q1. What is the most common jazz chord progression?
👉 The II–V–I progression is the most common in jazz, found in countless standards and essential for improvisation and comping.
Q2. How do jazz guitar progressions differ from rock progressions?
👉 Jazz progressions use extended chords (7ths, 9ths, 13ths), substitutions, and chromatic movements, while rock often relies on power chords and simpler structures.
Q3. Why should guitarists study jazz chord progressions?
👉 Learning jazz progressions builds harmonic knowledge, improves improvisation skills, and helps players adapt to complex musical situations.