Jazz lead sheet · Intermediate
I–VI–ii–V Turnarounds in C
The I–VI–ii–V turnaround drill: the most common way to end a phrase and start the next chorus.
- Composer
- Practice drill
- Form
- 12 bars
- Key
- C major
- Style
- Swing
- Length
- 12 bars
AC major
Imaj7C Ionian
V7/iiA Phryg. dom.
ii7D Dorian
V7G Mixolydian
Imaj7C Ionian
V7/iiA Phryg. dom.
ii7D Dorian
V7G Mixolydian
E Dorian
V7/iiA Phryg. dom.
ii7D Dorian
V7G Mixolydian
Imaj7C Ionian
Imaj7C Ionian
For students
What to notice
- A7 is V7/ii, a secondary dominant that points at Dm7.
- Em7–A7 in bar 9 adds the iii chord before the turnaround, a very common variation.
- The same four chords, I–VI–ii–V, can end a tune and turn it back to the top.
Practice plan
Three steps to improvising
- Play only the guide tones and notice the half-step chains.
- Swap A7 for E♭7 (its tritone substitute) and hear the bass slide down to D.
- Play the turnaround in time and repeat it four times without stopping.
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.