Open Turnaround Chord progressions Major & minor keys Get in touch Chord progressions 2-5-1 Progressions ii–V–I and the turnarounds built on it
A 2-5-1 is the ii chord moving to the V and resolving to the I — the cadence most jazz standards are assembled from. In a major key that is ii7–V7–IΔ7; in minor it is iiø7–V7–i7. Everything below is either that cell or a longer turnaround that contains it.
The chords, in every key Every progression below moves together, so the comparison stays honest.
What actually differs The major and minor forms differ in one chord tone: the ii is a minor seventh in major and a half-diminished in minor, because the fifth of that chord is flattened by the key. That single note changes the scale over bar 1 from Dorian to Locrian ♮2 and is the whole distinction. Rhythm changes and the Coltrane turnaround are both four-bar approaches to the same cadence — rhythm changes walks down I–vi–ii–V, the Coltrane cycle starts a third higher on iii–VI and reaches the ii–V by falling fifths, which is why it sounds like it is accelerating into the resolution. The backdoor is the odd one: it replaces the expected V7 with ♭VII7, approaching the tonic from below rather than above, and Blue Bossa is a minor 2-5-1 with the iv inserted before it, which is what gives the tune its lift into the cadence.
All 6 in this family ii–V–I (Major Jazz) ii7 – V7 – IΔ7
Jazz major 3 bars
The fundamental jazz cadence. Master this and you can play standards.
ii–V–I in C major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Dm7 ii7 2 G7 V7 3 Cmaj7 IΔ7
What to play over it In C major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–3
C Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes C D E F G A B
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in C major · The key of C major
ii–V–I in Db major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Ebm7 ii7 2 Ab7 V7 3 Dbmaj7 IΔ7
What to play over it In Db major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–3
Db Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Db major · The key of Db major
ii–V–I in D major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Em7 ii7 2 A7 V7 3 Dmaj7 IΔ7
What to play over it In D major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–3
D Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D E F♯ G A B C♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in D major · The key of D major
ii–V–I in Eb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Fm7 ii7 2 Bb7 V7 3 Ebmaj7 IΔ7
What to play over it In Eb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–3
Eb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C D
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Eb major · The key of Eb major
ii–V–I in E major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F#m7 ii7 2 B7 V7 3 Emaj7 IΔ7
What to play over it In E major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–3
E Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in E major · The key of E major
ii–V–I in F major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Gm7 ii7 2 C7 V7 3 Fmaj7 IΔ7
What to play over it In F major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–3
F Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F G A B♭ C D E
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in F major · The key of F major
ii–V–I in F# major Bar Chord Numeral 1 G#m7 ii7 2 C#7 V7 3 F#maj7 IΔ7
What to play over it In F# major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–3
F# Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in F# major · The key of F# major
ii–V–I in G major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Am7 ii7 2 D7 V7 3 Gmaj7 IΔ7
What to play over it In G major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–3
G Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes G A B C D E F♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in G major · The key of G major
ii–V–I in Ab major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bbm7 ii7 2 Eb7 V7 3 Abmaj7 IΔ7
What to play over it In Ab major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–3
Ab Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Ab major · The key of Ab major
ii–V–I in A major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bm7 ii7 2 E7 V7 3 Amaj7 IΔ7
What to play over it In A major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–3
A Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A B C♯ D E F♯ G♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in A major · The key of A major
ii–V–I in Bb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Cm7 ii7 2 F7 V7 3 Bbmaj7 IΔ7
What to play over it In Bb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–3
Bb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B♭ C D E♭ F G A
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Bb major · The key of Bb major
ii–V–I in B major Bar Chord Numeral 1 C#m7 ii7 2 F#7 V7 3 Bmaj7 IΔ7
What to play over it In B major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–3
B Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in B major · The key of B major
Documented in the wild Autumn Leaves jazz standard All the Things You Are jazz standard Fly Me to the Moon Frank Sinatra Play it in Turnaround · The key of C major
ii–V–i (Minor Jazz) iiø7 – V7 – i7
Jazz minor 3 bars
The minor jazz cadence, half-diminished ii, altered-friendly V7, resolving to a minor i.
ii–V–i in C minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 Dm7b5 iiø7 2 G7 V7 3 Cm7 i7
What to play over it In C minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bar 3
C Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes C D E♭ F G A♭ B♭
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bar 1
D Locrian ♮2 Locrian, but with a natural 2nd instead of a flat one Notes D E F G A♭ B♭ C
Fits this chord cleanly — the usual scale here has a note that fights the root, and this one drops it.
Chord-Scale Reference §7.2 (decided)
Bar 2
G Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes G A♭ B C D E♭ F
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in C minor · The key of C minor
ii–V–i in C# minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 D#m7b5 iiø7 2 G#7 V7 3 C#m7 i7
What to play over it In C# minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bar 3
C# Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A B
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bar 1
D# Locrian ♮2 Locrian, but with a natural 2nd instead of a flat one Notes D♯ E♯ F♯ G♯ A B C♯
Fits this chord cleanly — the usual scale here has a note that fights the root, and this one drops it.
Chord-Scale Reference §7.2 (decided)
Bar 2
G# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes G♯ A B♯ C♯ D♯ E F♯
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in C# minor · The key of C# minor
ii–V–i in D minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 Em7b5 iiø7 2 A7 V7 3 Dm7 i7
What to play over it In D minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bar 3
D Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes D E F G A B♭ C
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bar 1
E Locrian ♮2 Locrian, but with a natural 2nd instead of a flat one Notes E F♯ G A B♭ C D
Fits this chord cleanly — the usual scale here has a note that fights the root, and this one drops it.
Chord-Scale Reference §7.2 (decided)
Bar 2
A Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes A B♭ C♯ D E F G
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in D minor · The key of D minor
ii–V–i in Eb minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 Fm7b5 iiø7 2 Bb7 V7 3 Ebm7 i7
What to play over it In Eb minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bar 3
Eb Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C♭ D♭
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bar 1
F Locrian ♮2 Locrian, but with a natural 2nd instead of a flat one Notes F G A♭ B♭ C♭ D♭ E♭
Fits this chord cleanly — the usual scale here has a note that fights the root, and this one drops it.
Chord-Scale Reference §7.2 (decided)
Bar 2
Bb Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes B♭ C♭ D E♭ F G♭ A♭
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in Eb minor · The key of Eb minor
ii–V–i in E minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 F#m7b5 iiø7 2 B7 V7 3 Em7 i7
What to play over it In E minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bar 3
E Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes E F♯ G A B C D
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bar 1
F# Locrian ♮2 Locrian, but with a natural 2nd instead of a flat one Notes F♯ G♯ A B C D E
Fits this chord cleanly — the usual scale here has a note that fights the root, and this one drops it.
Chord-Scale Reference §7.2 (decided)
Bar 2
B Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes B C D♯ E F♯ G A
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in E minor · The key of E minor
ii–V–i in F minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 Gm7b5 iiø7 2 C7 V7 3 Fm7 i7
What to play over it In F minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bar 3
F Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes F G A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bar 1
G Locrian ♮2 Locrian, but with a natural 2nd instead of a flat one Notes G A B♭ C D♭ E♭ F
Fits this chord cleanly — the usual scale here has a note that fights the root, and this one drops it.
Chord-Scale Reference §7.2 (decided)
Bar 2
C Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes C D♭ E F G A♭ B♭
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in F minor · The key of F minor
ii–V–i in F# minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 G#m7b5 iiø7 2 C#7 V7 3 F#m7 i7
What to play over it In F# minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bar 3
F# Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D E
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bar 1
G# Locrian ♮2 Locrian, but with a natural 2nd instead of a flat one Notes G♯ A♯ B C♯ D E F♯
Fits this chord cleanly — the usual scale here has a note that fights the root, and this one drops it.
Chord-Scale Reference §7.2 (decided)
Bar 2
C# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes C♯ D E♯ F♯ G♯ A B
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in F# minor · The key of F# minor
ii–V–i in G minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 Am7b5 iiø7 2 D7 V7 3 Gm7 i7
What to play over it In G minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bar 3
G Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes G A B♭ C D E♭ F
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bar 1
A Locrian ♮2 Locrian, but with a natural 2nd instead of a flat one Notes A B C D E♭ F G
Fits this chord cleanly — the usual scale here has a note that fights the root, and this one drops it.
Chord-Scale Reference §7.2 (decided)
Bar 2
D Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes D E♭ F♯ G A B♭ C
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in G minor · The key of G minor
ii–V–i in G# minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 A#m7b5 iiø7 2 D#7 V7 3 G#m7 i7
What to play over it In G# minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bar 3
G# Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E F♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bar 1
A# Locrian ♮2 Locrian, but with a natural 2nd instead of a flat one Notes A♯ B♯ C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯
Fits this chord cleanly — the usual scale here has a note that fights the root, and this one drops it.
Chord-Scale Reference §7.2 (decided)
Bar 2
D# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes D♯ E F♯♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in G# minor · The key of G# minor
ii–V–i in A minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bm7b5 iiø7 2 E7 V7 3 Am7 i7
What to play over it In A minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bar 3
A Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes A B C D E F G
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bar 1
B Locrian ♮2 Locrian, but with a natural 2nd instead of a flat one Notes B C♯ D E F G A
Fits this chord cleanly — the usual scale here has a note that fights the root, and this one drops it.
Chord-Scale Reference §7.2 (decided)
Bar 2
E Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes E F G♯ A B C D
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in A minor · The key of A minor
ii–V–i in Bb minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 Cm7b5 iiø7 2 F7 V7 3 Bbm7 i7
What to play over it In Bb minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bar 3
Bb Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bar 1
C Locrian ♮2 Locrian, but with a natural 2nd instead of a flat one Notes C D E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭
Fits this chord cleanly — the usual scale here has a note that fights the root, and this one drops it.
Chord-Scale Reference §7.2 (decided)
Bar 2
F Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes F G♭ A B♭ C D♭ E♭
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in Bb minor · The key of Bb minor
ii–V–i in B minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 C#m7b5 iiø7 2 F#7 V7 3 Bm7 i7
What to play over it In B minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bar 3
B Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes B C♯ D E F♯ G A
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bar 1
C# Locrian ♮2 Locrian, but with a natural 2nd instead of a flat one Notes C♯ D♯ E F♯ G A B
Fits this chord cleanly — the usual scale here has a note that fights the root, and this one drops it.
Chord-Scale Reference §7.2 (decided)
Bar 2
F# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes F♯ G A♯ B C♯ D E
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in B minor · The key of B minor
Documented in the wild Autumn Leaves jazz standard Softly As in a Morning Sunrise jazz standard Play it in Turnaround · The key of C minor
Rhythm Changes Turnaround IΔ7 – vi7 – ii7 – V7
Jazz major 4 bars
The 'I Got Rhythm' turnaround, the most-played loop in bebop.
Rhythm Changes Turnaround in C major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Cmaj7 IΔ7 2 Am7 vi7 3 Dm7 ii7 4 G7 V7
What to play over it In C major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
C Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes C D E F G A B
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in C major · The key of C major
Rhythm Changes Turnaround in Db major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Dbmaj7 IΔ7 2 Bbm7 vi7 3 Ebm7 ii7 4 Ab7 V7
What to play over it In Db major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Db Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Db major · The key of Db major
Rhythm Changes Turnaround in D major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Dmaj7 IΔ7 2 Bm7 vi7 3 Em7 ii7 4 A7 V7
What to play over it In D major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
D Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D E F♯ G A B C♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in D major · The key of D major
Rhythm Changes Turnaround in Eb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Ebmaj7 IΔ7 2 Cm7 vi7 3 Fm7 ii7 4 Bb7 V7
What to play over it In Eb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Eb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C D
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Eb major · The key of Eb major
Rhythm Changes Turnaround in E major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Emaj7 IΔ7 2 C#m7 vi7 3 F#m7 ii7 4 B7 V7
What to play over it In E major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
E Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in E major · The key of E major
Rhythm Changes Turnaround in F major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Fmaj7 IΔ7 2 Dm7 vi7 3 Gm7 ii7 4 C7 V7
What to play over it In F major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
F Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F G A B♭ C D E
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in F major · The key of F major
Rhythm Changes Turnaround in F# major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F#maj7 IΔ7 2 D#m7 vi7 3 G#m7 ii7 4 C#7 V7
What to play over it In F# major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
F# Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in F# major · The key of F# major
Rhythm Changes Turnaround in G major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Gmaj7 IΔ7 2 Em7 vi7 3 Am7 ii7 4 D7 V7
What to play over it In G major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
G Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes G A B C D E F♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in G major · The key of G major
Rhythm Changes Turnaround in Ab major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Abmaj7 IΔ7 2 Fm7 vi7 3 Bbm7 ii7 4 Eb7 V7
What to play over it In Ab major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Ab Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Ab major · The key of Ab major
Rhythm Changes Turnaround in A major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Amaj7 IΔ7 2 F#m7 vi7 3 Bm7 ii7 4 E7 V7
What to play over it In A major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
A Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A B C♯ D E F♯ G♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in A major · The key of A major
Rhythm Changes Turnaround in Bb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bbmaj7 IΔ7 2 Gm7 vi7 3 Cm7 ii7 4 F7 V7
What to play over it In Bb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
Bb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B♭ C D E♭ F G A
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in Bb major · The key of Bb major
Rhythm Changes Turnaround in B major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bmaj7 IΔ7 2 G#m7 vi7 3 C#m7 ii7 4 F#7 V7
What to play over it In B major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1–4
B Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Play it in B major · The key of B major
Documented in the wild I Got Rhythm George Gershwin Oleo Sonny Rollins Anthropology Charlie Parker Play it in Turnaround · The key of C major
Jazz Turnaround iii7 – VI7 – ii7 – V7
Jazz major 4 bars
The substitute turnaround: iii stands in for I in the classic I–vi–ii–V, heard in countless jazz endings and rhythm-changes bars.
Jazz Turnaround in C major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Em7 iii7 2 A7 VI7 3 Dm7 ii7 4 G7 V7
What to play over it In C major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
E Phrygian minor with a flat 2nd Notes E F G A B C D
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Land on chord tones — the notes just above the root and the 5th sound sour if you hang on them.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bar 2
A Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes A B♭ C♯ D E F G
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in C major · The key of C major
Jazz Turnaround in Db major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Fm7 iii7 2 Bb7 VI7 3 Ebm7 ii7 4 Ab7 V7
What to play over it In Db major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
F Phrygian minor with a flat 2nd Notes F G♭ A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Land on chord tones — the notes just above the root and the 5th sound sour if you hang on them.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bar 2
Bb Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes B♭ C♭ D E♭ F G♭ A♭
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in Db major · The key of Db major
Jazz Turnaround in D major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F#m7 iii7 2 B7 VI7 3 Em7 ii7 4 A7 V7
What to play over it In D major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
F# Phrygian minor with a flat 2nd Notes F♯ G A B C♯ D E
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Land on chord tones — the notes just above the root and the 5th sound sour if you hang on them.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bar 2
B Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes B C D♯ E F♯ G A
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in D major · The key of D major
Jazz Turnaround in Eb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Gm7 iii7 2 C7 VI7 3 Fm7 ii7 4 Bb7 V7
What to play over it In Eb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
G Phrygian minor with a flat 2nd Notes G A♭ B♭ C D E♭ F
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Land on chord tones — the notes just above the root and the 5th sound sour if you hang on them.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bar 2
C Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes C D♭ E F G A♭ B♭
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in Eb major · The key of Eb major
Jazz Turnaround in E major Bar Chord Numeral 1 G#m7 iii7 2 C#7 VI7 3 F#m7 ii7 4 B7 V7
What to play over it In E major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
G# Phrygian minor with a flat 2nd Notes G♯ A B C♯ D♯ E F♯
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Land on chord tones — the notes just above the root and the 5th sound sour if you hang on them.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bar 2
C# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes C♯ D E♯ F♯ G♯ A B
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in E major · The key of E major
Jazz Turnaround in F major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Am7 iii7 2 D7 VI7 3 Gm7 ii7 4 C7 V7
What to play over it In F major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
A Phrygian minor with a flat 2nd Notes A B♭ C D E F G
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Land on chord tones — the notes just above the root and the 5th sound sour if you hang on them.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bar 2
D Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes D E♭ F♯ G A B♭ C
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in F major · The key of F major
Jazz Turnaround in F# major Bar Chord Numeral 1 A#m7 iii7 2 D#7 VI7 3 G#m7 ii7 4 C#7 V7
What to play over it In F# major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
A# Phrygian minor with a flat 2nd Notes A♯ B C♯ D♯ E♯ F♯ G♯
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Land on chord tones — the notes just above the root and the 5th sound sour if you hang on them.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bar 2
D# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes D♯ E F♯♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in F# major · The key of F# major
Jazz Turnaround in G major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bm7 iii7 2 E7 VI7 3 Am7 ii7 4 D7 V7
What to play over it In G major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
B Phrygian minor with a flat 2nd Notes B C D E F♯ G A
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Land on chord tones — the notes just above the root and the 5th sound sour if you hang on them.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bar 2
E Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes E F G♯ A B C D
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in G major · The key of G major
Jazz Turnaround in Ab major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Cm7 iii7 2 F7 VI7 3 Bbm7 ii7 4 Eb7 V7
What to play over it In Ab major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
C Phrygian minor with a flat 2nd Notes C D♭ E♭ F G A♭ B♭
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Land on chord tones — the notes just above the root and the 5th sound sour if you hang on them.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bar 2
F Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes F G♭ A B♭ C D♭ E♭
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in Ab major · The key of Ab major
Jazz Turnaround in A major Bar Chord Numeral 1 C#m7 iii7 2 F#7 VI7 3 Bm7 ii7 4 E7 V7
What to play over it In A major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
C# Phrygian minor with a flat 2nd Notes C♯ D E F♯ G♯ A B
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Land on chord tones — the notes just above the root and the 5th sound sour if you hang on them.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bar 2
F# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes F♯ G A♯ B C♯ D E
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in A major · The key of A major
Jazz Turnaround in Bb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Dm7 iii7 2 G7 VI7 3 Cm7 ii7 4 F7 V7
What to play over it In Bb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
D Phrygian minor with a flat 2nd Notes D E♭ F G A B♭ C
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Land on chord tones — the notes just above the root and the 5th sound sour if you hang on them.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bar 2
G Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes G A♭ B C D E♭ F
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in Bb major · The key of Bb major
Jazz Turnaround in B major Bar Chord Numeral 1 D#m7 iii7 2 G#7 VI7 3 C#m7 ii7 4 F#7 V7
What to play over it In B major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3, 4
D# Phrygian minor with a flat 2nd Notes D♯ E F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Land on chord tones — the notes just above the root and the 5th sound sour if you hang on them.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bar 2
G# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes G♯ A B♯ C♯ D♯ E F♯
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in B major · The key of B major
Play it in Turnaround · The key of C major
Backdoor ii–V ii7 – ♭VII7 – IΔ7
Jazz major 3 bars
A jazzy 'backdoor' resolution, the ♭VII7 sneaks into I from below.
Backdoor ii–V in C major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Dm7 ii7 2 Bb7 ♭VII7 3 Cmaj7 IΔ7
What to play over it In C major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3
C Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes C D E F G A B
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 2
Bb Lydian ♭7 Lydian, but with a flat 7th Notes B♭ C D E F G A♭
This chord slips sideways into the home chord. The raised 4th is what makes that move land.
Chord-Scale Reference §9.1
Play it in C major · The key of C major
Backdoor ii–V in Db major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Ebm7 ii7 2 Cb7 ♭VII7 3 Dbmaj7 IΔ7
What to play over it In Db major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3
Db Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 2
Cb Lydian ♭7 Lydian, but with a flat 7th Notes C♭ D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭♭
This chord slips sideways into the home chord. The raised 4th is what makes that move land.
Chord-Scale Reference §9.1
Play it in Db major · The key of Db major
Backdoor ii–V in D major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Em7 ii7 2 C7 ♭VII7 3 Dmaj7 IΔ7
What to play over it In D major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3
D Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes D E F♯ G A B C♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 2
C Lydian ♭7 Lydian, but with a flat 7th Notes C D E F♯ G A B♭
This chord slips sideways into the home chord. The raised 4th is what makes that move land.
Chord-Scale Reference §9.1
Play it in D major · The key of D major
Backdoor ii–V in Eb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Fm7 ii7 2 Db7 ♭VII7 3 Ebmaj7 IΔ7
What to play over it In Eb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3
Eb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C D
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 2
Db Lydian ♭7 Lydian, but with a flat 7th Notes D♭ E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C♭
This chord slips sideways into the home chord. The raised 4th is what makes that move land.
Chord-Scale Reference §9.1
Play it in Eb major · The key of Eb major
Backdoor ii–V in E major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F#m7 ii7 2 D7 ♭VII7 3 Emaj7 IΔ7
What to play over it In E major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3
E Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 2
D Lydian ♭7 Lydian, but with a flat 7th Notes D E F♯ G♯ A B C
This chord slips sideways into the home chord. The raised 4th is what makes that move land.
Chord-Scale Reference §9.1
Play it in E major · The key of E major
Backdoor ii–V in F major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Gm7 ii7 2 Eb7 ♭VII7 3 Fmaj7 IΔ7
What to play over it In F major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3
F Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F G A B♭ C D E
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 2
Eb Lydian ♭7 Lydian, but with a flat 7th Notes E♭ F G A B♭ C D♭
This chord slips sideways into the home chord. The raised 4th is what makes that move land.
Chord-Scale Reference §9.1
Play it in F major · The key of F major
Backdoor ii–V in F# major Bar Chord Numeral 1 G#m7 ii7 2 E7 ♭VII7 3 F#maj7 IΔ7
What to play over it In F# major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3
F# Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 2
E Lydian ♭7 Lydian, but with a flat 7th Notes E F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D
This chord slips sideways into the home chord. The raised 4th is what makes that move land.
Chord-Scale Reference §9.1
Play it in F# major · The key of F# major
Backdoor ii–V in G major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Am7 ii7 2 F7 ♭VII7 3 Gmaj7 IΔ7
What to play over it In G major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3
G Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes G A B C D E F♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 2
F Lydian ♭7 Lydian, but with a flat 7th Notes F G A B C D E♭
This chord slips sideways into the home chord. The raised 4th is what makes that move land.
Chord-Scale Reference §9.1
Play it in G major · The key of G major
Backdoor ii–V in Ab major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bbm7 ii7 2 Gb7 ♭VII7 3 Abmaj7 IΔ7
What to play over it In Ab major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3
Ab Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 2
Gb Lydian ♭7 Lydian, but with a flat 7th Notes G♭ A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F♭
This chord slips sideways into the home chord. The raised 4th is what makes that move land.
Chord-Scale Reference §9.1
Play it in Ab major · The key of Ab major
Backdoor ii–V in A major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bm7 ii7 2 G7 ♭VII7 3 Amaj7 IΔ7
What to play over it In A major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3
A Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes A B C♯ D E F♯ G♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 2
G Lydian ♭7 Lydian, but with a flat 7th Notes G A B C♯ D E F
This chord slips sideways into the home chord. The raised 4th is what makes that move land.
Chord-Scale Reference §9.1
Play it in A major · The key of A major
Backdoor ii–V in Bb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Cm7 ii7 2 Ab7 ♭VII7 3 Bbmaj7 IΔ7
What to play over it In Bb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3
Bb Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B♭ C D E♭ F G A
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 2
Ab Lydian ♭7 Lydian, but with a flat 7th Notes A♭ B♭ C D E♭ F G♭
This chord slips sideways into the home chord. The raised 4th is what makes that move land.
Chord-Scale Reference §9.1
Play it in Bb major · The key of Bb major
Backdoor ii–V in B major Bar Chord Numeral 1 C#m7 ii7 2 A7 ♭VII7 3 Bmaj7 IΔ7
What to play over it In B major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3
B Major (Ionian) the plain major scale Notes B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §2 / §7.5
Bar 2
A Lydian ♭7 Lydian, but with a flat 7th Notes A B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G
This chord slips sideways into the home chord. The raised 4th is what makes that move land.
Chord-Scale Reference §9.1
Play it in B major · The key of B major
Documented in the wild Lady Bird Tadd Dameron Stella by Starlight Victor Young Play it in Turnaround · The key of C major
Blue Bossa i7 – iv7 – iiø7 – V7
Latin / Bossa minor 4 bars
The jam-session Latin standard, smooth minor 7ths resolving through a minor ii–V.
Blue Bossa in C minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 Cm7 i7 2 Fm7 iv7 3 Dm7b5 iiø7 4 G7 V7
What to play over it In C minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
C Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes C D E♭ F G A♭ B♭
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bar 3
D Locrian ♮2 Locrian, but with a natural 2nd instead of a flat one Notes D E F G A♭ B♭ C
Fits this chord cleanly — the usual scale here has a note that fights the root, and this one drops it.
Chord-Scale Reference §7.2 (decided)
Bar 4
G Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes G A♭ B C D E♭ F
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in C minor · The key of C minor
Blue Bossa in C# minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 C#m7 i7 2 F#m7 iv7 3 D#m7b5 iiø7 4 G#7 V7
What to play over it In C# minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
C# Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A B
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bar 3
D# Locrian ♮2 Locrian, but with a natural 2nd instead of a flat one Notes D♯ E♯ F♯ G♯ A B C♯
Fits this chord cleanly — the usual scale here has a note that fights the root, and this one drops it.
Chord-Scale Reference §7.2 (decided)
Bar 4
G# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes G♯ A B♯ C♯ D♯ E F♯
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in C# minor · The key of C# minor
Blue Bossa in D minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 Dm7 i7 2 Gm7 iv7 3 Em7b5 iiø7 4 A7 V7
What to play over it In D minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
D Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes D E F G A B♭ C
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bar 3
E Locrian ♮2 Locrian, but with a natural 2nd instead of a flat one Notes E F♯ G A B♭ C D
Fits this chord cleanly — the usual scale here has a note that fights the root, and this one drops it.
Chord-Scale Reference §7.2 (decided)
Bar 4
A Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes A B♭ C♯ D E F G
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in D minor · The key of D minor
Blue Bossa in Eb minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 Ebm7 i7 2 Abm7 iv7 3 Fm7b5 iiø7 4 Bb7 V7
What to play over it In Eb minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
Eb Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C♭ D♭
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bar 3
F Locrian ♮2 Locrian, but with a natural 2nd instead of a flat one Notes F G A♭ B♭ C♭ D♭ E♭
Fits this chord cleanly — the usual scale here has a note that fights the root, and this one drops it.
Chord-Scale Reference §7.2 (decided)
Bar 4
Bb Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes B♭ C♭ D E♭ F G♭ A♭
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in Eb minor · The key of Eb minor
Blue Bossa in E minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 Em7 i7 2 Am7 iv7 3 F#m7b5 iiø7 4 B7 V7
What to play over it In E minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
E Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes E F♯ G A B C D
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bar 3
F# Locrian ♮2 Locrian, but with a natural 2nd instead of a flat one Notes F♯ G♯ A B C D E
Fits this chord cleanly — the usual scale here has a note that fights the root, and this one drops it.
Chord-Scale Reference §7.2 (decided)
Bar 4
B Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes B C D♯ E F♯ G A
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in E minor · The key of E minor
Blue Bossa in F minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 Fm7 i7 2 Bbm7 iv7 3 Gm7b5 iiø7 4 C7 V7
What to play over it In F minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
F Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes F G A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bar 3
G Locrian ♮2 Locrian, but with a natural 2nd instead of a flat one Notes G A B♭ C D♭ E♭ F
Fits this chord cleanly — the usual scale here has a note that fights the root, and this one drops it.
Chord-Scale Reference §7.2 (decided)
Bar 4
C Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes C D♭ E F G A♭ B♭
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in F minor · The key of F minor
Blue Bossa in F# minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 F#m7 i7 2 Bm7 iv7 3 G#m7b5 iiø7 4 C#7 V7
What to play over it In F# minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
F# Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D E
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bar 3
G# Locrian ♮2 Locrian, but with a natural 2nd instead of a flat one Notes G♯ A♯ B C♯ D E F♯
Fits this chord cleanly — the usual scale here has a note that fights the root, and this one drops it.
Chord-Scale Reference §7.2 (decided)
Bar 4
C# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes C♯ D E♯ F♯ G♯ A B
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in F# minor · The key of F# minor
Blue Bossa in G minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 Gm7 i7 2 Cm7 iv7 3 Am7b5 iiø7 4 D7 V7
What to play over it In G minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
G Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes G A B♭ C D E♭ F
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bar 3
A Locrian ♮2 Locrian, but with a natural 2nd instead of a flat one Notes A B C D E♭ F G
Fits this chord cleanly — the usual scale here has a note that fights the root, and this one drops it.
Chord-Scale Reference §7.2 (decided)
Bar 4
D Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes D E♭ F♯ G A B♭ C
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in G minor · The key of G minor
Blue Bossa in G# minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 G#m7 i7 2 C#m7 iv7 3 A#m7b5 iiø7 4 D#7 V7
What to play over it In G# minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
G# Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E F♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bar 3
A# Locrian ♮2 Locrian, but with a natural 2nd instead of a flat one Notes A♯ B♯ C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯
Fits this chord cleanly — the usual scale here has a note that fights the root, and this one drops it.
Chord-Scale Reference §7.2 (decided)
Bar 4
D# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes D♯ E F♯♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in G# minor · The key of G# minor
Blue Bossa in A minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 Am7 i7 2 Dm7 iv7 3 Bm7b5 iiø7 4 E7 V7
What to play over it In A minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
A Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes A B C D E F G
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bar 3
B Locrian ♮2 Locrian, but with a natural 2nd instead of a flat one Notes B C♯ D E F G A
Fits this chord cleanly — the usual scale here has a note that fights the root, and this one drops it.
Chord-Scale Reference §7.2 (decided)
Bar 4
E Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes E F G♯ A B C D
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in A minor · The key of A minor
Blue Bossa in Bb minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bbm7 i7 2 Ebm7 iv7 3 Cm7b5 iiø7 4 F7 V7
What to play over it In Bb minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
Bb Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bar 3
C Locrian ♮2 Locrian, but with a natural 2nd instead of a flat one Notes C D E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭
Fits this chord cleanly — the usual scale here has a note that fights the root, and this one drops it.
Chord-Scale Reference §7.2 (decided)
Bar 4
F Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes F G♭ A B♭ C D♭ E♭
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in Bb minor · The key of Bb minor
Blue Bossa in B minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bm7 i7 2 Em7 iv7 3 C#m7b5 iiø7 4 F#7 V7
What to play over it In B minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 2
B Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes B C♯ D E F♯ G A
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bar 3
C# Locrian ♮2 Locrian, but with a natural 2nd instead of a flat one Notes C♯ D♯ E F♯ G A B
Fits this chord cleanly — the usual scale here has a note that fights the root, and this one drops it.
Chord-Scale Reference §7.2 (decided)
Bar 4
F# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes F♯ G A♯ B C♯ D E
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in B minor · The key of B minor
Play it in Turnaround · Full page for Blue Bossa · The key of C minor