I - vi - ii - V

Also known as the rhythm changes turnaround.

The turnaround at the heart of rhythm changes, the chord scheme behind a huge share of swing era tunes and bebop heads. The roots walk the circle of fifths all the way home, which gives even a simple comping pattern a satisfying sense of forward motion.

Hear it in different keys

In C major

I C vim Am iim Dm V G

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In F major

I F vim Dm iim Gm V C

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Each key above has a MIDI download with every chord played back to back, ready to drop into any DAW or notation program.

Roman numerals show scale degree and quality: uppercase for major, lowercase for minor, a small circle for diminished. Tap any chord above to open its full page, with a diagram and playback.