Jazz lead sheet · Advanced
Minor ii–V–i Chain
A chain of minor ii–V–is that walks down in whole steps from A minor to E♭ minor.
- Composer
- Practice drill
- Form
- 16 bars
- Key
- A minor
- Style
- Swing
- Length
- 16 bars
AA minor
iiø7B Locrian
V7E Phryg. dom.
i7A Dorian
i7A Dorian
A Locrian
V7/♭viiD Phryg. dom.
♭vii7G Dorian
♭vii7G Dorian
G Locrian
V7/♭viC Phryg. dom.
♭vi7F Dorian
♭vi7F Dorian
F Locrian
V7/♭vB♭ Phryg. dom.
♭v7E♭ Dorian
♭v7E♭ Dorian
For students
What to notice
- Each key uses the minor shape: m7♭5 → 7 → m7.
- The 7th of each half-diminished chord falls a half step to the 3rd of its dominant, which then resolves down a 5th.
- The four keys step down in whole tones: A minor, G minor, F minor, E♭ minor.
Practice plan
Three steps to improvising
- Play the guide tones in one key, then move the same two notes to the next key.
- Compare this minor ii–V–i with the major ii–V–I drill.
- Improvise with each key harmonic minor, holding the guide tones across the changes.
For teachers
Using this chart in class
- Project the chart with Play along running and loop one section while students find the guide tones.
- Choose Practice → Name the numerals for a whole-class quiz: students vote, then reveal the explanation.
- Mixed ensemble? Print the worksheet once per transposition: B♭, E♭, F and bass clef parts all line up bar for bar.
- Share a link: the key, instrument and view you choose are saved in the address bar.
Chord changes are common performance versions written out by Music Theory Lessons. No melodies or lyrics are reproduced. Names of songs and composers are used only to identify each tune.