Jazz · ii-V-I — Ukulele

What is the Jazz · ii-V-I progression?

The Jazz · ii-V-I progression is Dm → G → C (ii – V – I), in the key of C. Read as harmonic function it moves subdominant → dominant → tonic, arriving home on a cadence. Play one chord per bar and let it loop.

Play any song you love and it does this: leaves home, takes a walk, and at the right moment somebody yells "come back!". This progression is that route, road sign by road sign: Dm (ii, the stroll) → G (V, time to come back) → C (I, home). Hit play and follow with your finger on the names — when you reach the chord marked "time to come back", notice your own body waiting for C — the home chord.

Ukulele

With only four short strings and no bass note, the ukulele lives in a bright, high register; it sketches the chords and leaves the low end to a voice or another instrument. The ukulele has a real jazz streak from the swing era, and its close, clustered chords suit cheerful backing; just remember it colours the harmony rather than anchoring it, since there is no bass note underneath. Its home chord C keeps its lowest note on C and rings 3 open strings.

Cadences — Harmony comes to rest here — hear every cadence type and train your ear · open in Chord & Fret

Reharmonize — Want richer substitutions? Reharmonize the progression in a tap · use it in Chord & Fret

Learn each chord of the trip

Dm · G · C

Metronome — Drill this change in time, with tap tempo and subdivisions · try it in Chord & Fret

There are plenty more where this came from — and they all fit in the Chord & Fret app. One tap on the store and happy playing.

Updated July 9, 2026